Raised for Soccer Aid for UNICEF!
Olly Murs Takes on a 400km Challenge for Soccer Aid for UNICEF
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, multi‑platinum singer and TV presenter Olly Murs stepped away from the stage to take on one of the toughest challenges of his life – and has now completed a gruelling 400km journey over five days, raising vital funds for children around the world.
Help get Olly’s total to £1 million for children around the world by donating now. Every £1 you donate – up to £6 million – will be doubled thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, so you can make double the difference for children.
A Five‑Day Test of Endurance
Olly’s challenge saw him run, row and ride his way from Manchester’s Old Trafford – where Soccer Aid first kicked off – to London Stadium, the home of this year’s milestone match.
The challenge spans five brutal days, each one testing him in new ways – across tough terrain, punishing climbs and intimidating stretches of water. It’s a physical and mental test unlike anything he’s faced before.
No Route, No Warning, No Easy Days
To make things even tougher, Olly didn’t know each day’s route until moments before he set off, with details revealed live on national radio. With no time to prepare, every day brought a new unknown – and nowhere to hide.
Emotional Olly Murs breaks down as he completes day two. Speaking at the finish line, he said: “Part of me wanted to quit earlier...I’m doing it for UNICEF. For the kids that are in difficult places and difficult situations. This money, I’ve seen, does amazing things."
Why did Olly take on the Challenge
Olly first pulled on his boots for Soccer Aid in 2010, driven by pure competitive spirit. Years on, as a seasoned Soccer Aid veteran, a proud new dad and carrying a knee injury, he’s taking on this challenge at a very different point in his life.
But his determination remains as strong as ever. By pushing himself far beyond his comfort zone, Olly is raising vital funds for UNICEF – helping protect play for every child around the world.
Support Olly’s Challenge and Help Children Thrive
By supporting Olly’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF challenge, you can help give children around the world the chance to grow up safe, healthy and able to play.
Every donation helps UNICEF reach children with the support they need – from healthcare and nutrition to protection, education and safe spaces to play.
Donate to support children through Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
Olly has taken on this gruelling challenge to raise as much money for children as possible, inspired by his UNICEF trip to Romania. He visited the Pipera Primo Hub in northern Bucharest, a UNICEF-funded centre supporting Ukrainian children, who have been displaced by conflict, and Romanian children, providing them with access to quality education services, therapeutic music and sport sessions, so they continue to learn, play and thrive.
Follow Olly’s journey:
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