Singer Olly Murs arrived in Staffordshire today - as part of his Into The Unknown for Soccer Aid challenge.
The 41-year-old is carrying out the Into The Unknown challenge to raise money for Unicef by running, cycling and rowing for 249 miles between Manchester and London.
He set off yesterday (May 11) from Old Trafford, where Soccer Aid first began 20 years ago, after finding out his route a few hours before, with John Bishop and supporters there to see him off.
After cycling through Stockport, he left his bike in Glossop and climbed the highest point in the Peak District on foot. He then cycled the scenic route through Hope Valley before taking on the climb from Wye Dale to the Tissington Trail.
When he reached the Peak District, he said: “That was a hard day. That was the hardest thing I’ve done pretty much all my life – and I’ve got to do that for another four days. The hardest part was coming down Jacob’s Ladder and that sounds ridiculous, because you think going down is going to be easy but my knees are so sore.
“Just as I got to the bottom I could feel every operation in every step. I had to stop. It feels alright now but whether that will swell up overnight, I don’t know.”
Olly continued on foot into Ashbourne before getting back on his bike for the final stretch near Stafford today (May 12).
Fans gathered to greet him after his 100km bike ride and run at the Saracen's Head pub in Weston near Stafford.
However, his well earned rest wasn’t the end of his journey as his Heart radio colleagues surprised him with an extra boat trip a few miles along the canal.
For information on how to donate to Soccer Aid, visit the website.
Check out 18 pictures taken by Ian Knight of Z70 Photography that captured the joy of fans as he arrived:
3. Fans were pleased to see Olly Murs reach the Staffordshire village
Ian Knight / Z70 Photography
