TV, radio and podcast host Sam Thompson has crossed his ‘Match Ball Mission’ finish line at Old Trafford raising £1,516,433.22 and counting for UNICEF as he completed the ultimate test of endurance, successfully transporting the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from last year’s stadium, Stamford Bridge in London, to the home of this year’s match, Old Trafford in Manchester. Sam said: “My legs have completely gone but I feel good. To everyone who has donated, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it a million times, you are so heroic. Sam also received a boost from Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, this morning who sent him a message on Hits Radio praising his ‘fantastic effort’. The mammoth mission has also been captured for a one-off special documentary on ITV1: Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission, airing in the lead up to Soccer Aid for UNICEF, produced by Initial TV (a Banijay UK company).