Redditch man taking on 350-mile running challenge in memory of best friend and for Warwick charity
Samuel Attwell is aiming to complete the Malin Head to Mizen Head route in Ireland next month over several days
A man from Worcestershire is to try and make his way across the entire length of Ireland next month in a fundraising challenge for a Warwick-based children's charity.
21-year-old Samuel Attwell from Redditch will look to complete the near 350-mile journey over 10 days in aid of Molly Ollys, whom he's an ambassador for, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
He's planning to set off from the start point on the 18 May in Ireland's most northernmost part Malin Head, and finish in Mizen Head, the southernmost bit of it.
The runner said the death of his grandmother to cancer and his best friend who passed away at 18-years-old are his motivation behind doing it.
He said: “I know how quickly life can change, that’s why I’m doing this.
"When you lose the people you love far too soon, it changes you, it makes you realise how precious time is especially for children who don’t get the chance to grow up.
“Running across Ireland is nothing compared to what these families face every day, if my miles can bring smiles, strength, or support to even one child, then every step will be worth it.”
In total, he's aiming to raise £50,000 for the charity, which was set-up in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
Ahead of it, Mrs Ollerenshaw said: “This is a massive challenge to take on and I am glad that we can be alongside Samuel as he paces through it.
"Samuel has done so much for Molly Ollys, from a very young age he has wanted to get involved and volunteered at many events and fundraised on numerous occasions.
“For someone at his age to give so much time and energy is very inspiring, this is certainly going to be a tough one and I really hope that he gets all the support and encouragement that he deserves, I know it would mean so much to him to know his efforts have made a very real difference.”
He's aiming to finish it on the 27 May.