Twenty-one-year-old fundraiser Samuel Attwell is preparing to set off on an gruelling 350-mile ultra running challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head, one of Ireland's toughest endurance routes, in a bid to raise £50,000 for children with life-threatening illnesses.

In a feat attempted by very few solo runners and almost none his age, Samuel, from Redditch, will spend 10 consecutive days in May covering vast stretches of rural Ireland, battling harsh weather, fatigue, and unforgiving terrain.

His mission is to support Warwick-based children's charity Molly Ollys, which he represents as an ambassador, and helps grant wishes and provides vital emotional support to seriously ill children and their families.

Samuel's determination is deeply rooted in personal loss. Having lost his grandmother to cancer, and then, devastatingly, his best friend who passed away at just 18 years old, these experiences ignited a drive in him that goes far beyond sport.

Samuel 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."

From 18 May, Samuel will embark on a journey from the northernmost tip of Ireland to its southernmost point - almost 350 miles of rolling hills, quiet rural roads, and unpredictable Irish weather - completing the route on 27 May.

Daily Route Breakdown:

· Day 1: Malin Head → Derry — 52km

· Day 2: Derry → Baragh — 68km

· Day 3: Baragh → Ballinamore — 52km

· Day 4: Ballinamore → Ballymahon — 61km

· Day 5: Ballymahon → Banagher — 48km

· Day 6: Banagher → Nenagh — 42km

· Day 7: Nenagh → Bruff — 55km

· Day 8: Bruff → Millstreet — 70km

· Day 9: Millstreet → Kealkill — 55km

· Day 10: Kealkill → Mizen Head — 55km

If successful, Samuel will join a very small and elite group and at just 21, become one of the youngest solo runners ever to complete the route.

Samuel plans to make the challenge highly visible sharing daily video updates, GPS maps and live progress, training insights, milestones and setbacks, and honest unfiltered footage.

His goal is to ignite momentum, inspire others, and make this challenge truly go viral.

He said: "£50,000 isn't just a target. It's the difference we can make to the lives of so many poorly children.

"If I reach my fundraising target, then that money will deliver up to 100 wishes, provide more than 2,500 therapeutic toys and books and support vital projects in children's hospitals. Molly Ollys stands beside families at the toughest moments of their lives and every pound raised strengthens that support."

He added: "I'm asking people to join me, not on the road, but in spirit. Every pound is fuel. Every share helps spread awareness. Every message keeps me going. Let's turn every mile into a moment of hope for the children who need it most."

Samuel has already secured over £12,000 in early sponsorship from businesses connected to his family, support that means everything as he prepares for this immense challenge. But he can't do it alone.

To reach his £50,000 goal for Molly Ollys, Samuel is calling on more sponsors and individuals to stand with him and support children who desperately need hope.

Samuel's father, Dean Attwell, commented: "Samuel's courage, determination and compassion shine through every step of this challenge. What he's doing goes beyond endurance, it's about standing with families facing the unimaginable and making a powerful statement of hope for children and families in crisis.

"Oakland International is honoured to support him, and we urge other businesses and individuals to get behind Samuel to help make a meaningful difference."

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, from Warwick, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres, along with a set of books from the charity's exclusive Olly The Brave series.

Rachel 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 revery 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."

For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit here.

Follow Samuel's Journey and donate here.