Sam Thompson says his autism diagnosis has made preparing for his upcoming Soccer Aid challenge even more demanding, adding what he describes as “another layer of difficulty.”
The 32-year-old former Made In Chelsea star is preparing for a gruelling 260-mile journey by bicycle and on foot. His mission is to carry the Soccer Aid match ball from London to its new home at Manchester United’s Old Trafford while raising vital funds for UNICEF.
Earlier this week, Sam offered followers a candid and humorous look at life with autism and ADHD. His light-hearted Instagram post prompted an outpouring of support from fans.
Speaking to MailOnline before beginning the challenge on Monday, he admitted the reaction had left him feeling deeply emotional.
“I’ve received so many messages this week about my autism and, honestly, it has touched me so much,” he said. “It has also made me very emotional because it has come just before my Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid begins on Monday. Reading all the DMs and kind comments has been overwhelming.”
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Sam Thompson says his autism diagnosis has brought an additional challenge to his preparations for Soccer Aid
The former Made In Chelsea star will travel more than 260 miles by bike and on foot to take the Soccer Aid match ball to Old Trafford
Sam recently spoke about living with autism and ADHD in a playful Instagram video that was warmly received by fans
“I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 30 and then with autism shortly afterwards. I’ve always felt proud of both diagnoses and have spoken before about viewing them as a superpower.”
Sam said receiving the diagnoses was ultimately a relief, giving him a clearer understanding of himself and time to learn how to manage life with the conditions.
“Being diagnosed with both was honestly a relief. I’m 32 now, so I’ve had a couple of years to work out how to navigate life since then.
“It is difficult at times, of course, but I try to focus on the positives and on the things that make me different.”
His four-day Match Ball Mission will involve running and cycling more than 260 miles from London to Manchester, transporting the official Soccer Aid ball ahead of the charity football match on June 15.
The I’m A Celebrity star knows he will need to draw on considerable mental strength to finish the route. He explained that autism can contribute to heightened anxiety, making the undertaking even more challenging.
“I recently announced that I’m taking on this huge challenge to raise money for UNICEF’s work with children around the world. It will test me physically as well as mentally.
“Having ADHD and autism has added another level of difficulty to my training for the Match Ball Mission, during which I’ll be running and cycling more than 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.”
Before setting off, Sam told MailOnline that the encouragement from fans had made him feel particularly emotional
Sam says completing the demanding challenge will require him to dig deep mentally, as autism can intensify his anxiety
Sam has released an exclusive video diary from Guatemala, where he visited a UNICEF-supported project
The journey will be documented in an ITV programme scheduled to air on June 13
“Alongside the exhausting daily runs and cycling stages, I’ll have to push myself mentally to reach the finish line.
“Autism can make social situations more anxiety-inducing for me. They can already be challenging, and I often enjoy having time alone, but there will be little or no opportunity for that during this mission.
“I also rely on routine. Although the distances will be broadly similar each day, every day on the road will be different, so I’ll quite literally have to stay on my toes.
“Despite all of that, I’m completely determined to get the match ball to Old Trafford and raise as much money as possible.
“I recently travelled to Guatemala to visit a UNICEF-supported project and saw for myself the difference the organisation is making to children’s lives.
“I’m taking on this challenge for the children I met there. I hope to raise as much as possible because I can promise that the support makes a huge difference.”
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Sam has also released a personal video diary documenting his Guatemala trip, where he witnessed the work of a project supported by UNICEF.
His preparations and the demanding journey will form part of an ITV documentary due to be broadcast on June 13.
The reality star also recently used Instagram to share his perspective on receiving an autism diagnosis.
In the clip, two versions of Sam walk along a street, with one representing him and the other symbolising his ADHD.
The post begins with the words: “You were diagnosed with ADHD in your late twenties, but something still doesn’t add up…”
The playful sketch then takes an unexpected turn as Sam appears from around a corner wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume and a huge grin.
“Knew there was more to the story,” he wrote in the caption.
Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at 30 and became an official ambassador for ADHD UK in 2024.
He has frequently spoken about the condition and described it as his “superpower.”
The I’m A Celebrity winner has said he wants to encourage more open discussion about ADHD and challenge outdated perceptions of neurodivergence.
In one emotional video, Sam offered advice to two children with ADHD, encouraging them to channel their energy into something they enjoy.
He told the children that being neurodiverse could be a “superpower,” while acknowledging the very real challenges they may face.
Announcing his role as an ambassador, Sam wrote on Instagram: “BIG NEWS! I’m so honoured to announce that I’m now an official ambassador for @ADHDUK.CO.UK.
“As many of you know, this is a cause that means a great deal to me. The charity’s slogan is ‘positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK’, which perfectly reflects my own mission after being diagnosed not so long ago.
“The charity’s five goals are information, support, research, advocacy and awareness. I hope to use my platform and audience to help support each of them.
“Changing perceptions of ADHD and encouraging conversations about it have become, and will remain, central to my life. More than anything, I want that to be part of my legacy.
“Since leaving the jungle, I’ve met so many children and adults who have approached me or contacted me to say that I’ve helped change the way they think about ADHD.”
Sam delighted fans with his “post-break-up glow-up” after splitting from Zara McDermott, throwing himself into training for the new challenge
“I want to reach as many people as possible, particularly young people, and show them the positive power of being neurodiverse.
“There are certainly genuine challenges, but with the right support, neurodiversity can be a superpower and a blessing. It should never stop us from achieving our dreams.
“Thank you, @ADHDUK.CO.UK, for everything you do for people like me. I’m so happy to be part of the team.”
Sam previously discussed his ADHD while appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, insisting that he was not ashamed of the diagnosis.
During a conversation with campmates Marvin Humes and Josie Gibson, he admitted to having “terrible timekeeping” and acknowledged that he could become selfish with friends and his then-girlfriend, Zara McDermott.
Sam ended his five-year relationship with Zara in December and has since appeared to move on with Love Island star Samie Elishi.
