Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks are just friendship goals, aren’t they?
The reality stars became BFFs when they appeared on Celebs Go Dating together in 2019 and since then they’ve launched their hugely successful podcast Staying Relevant, hosted the official red carpet at the National Television Awards and they’re even writing a book together.
Not only are they slaying the game together in their careers, but Sam and Pete really are besties off-screen too. As well as supporting Sam through his split from Love Island’s Zara McDermott last year, former TOWIE star Pete recently showed up to cheer on Sam as he made an epic 260-mile journey across the country for his Match Ball Mission challenge for UNICEF.
Sam ran and cycled 260 miles from London to Manchester across five gruelling back-to-back days, with a whole host of famous faces – including Olivia Colman, Robbie Williams and even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – sending him supportive messages and Sam’s sister Louise Thompson, her husband Ryan Libbey and Pete all showing up in person.
‘Everyone who has turned up and surprised me was absolutely incredible. I just feel so lucky to have such amazing friends and family around me,’ Sam told Closer after completing the challenge and raising over £1.5million for UNICEF.
‘When Pete came and when Ryan came, I was at really low points so they were right there when I needed them.’
Sam continued, ‘During those toughest moments, it was honestly hearing the donation total going up and up and the public’s support and generosity that kept me going.
‘I knew I just had to put one foot in front of the other and there was no option – the ball was getting to Old Trafford and we did it!’
The money raised by the I’m A Celeb winner will support UNICEF’s work for children around the world.
‘I’ve seen firsthand the difference it’ll make,’ Sam told us. ‘Those donations are going to be lifesaving.’
There’s still time to donate, visit socceraid.org.uk/challenge. The final total will be revealed at this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF match, broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Sunday 15 June.