• In 2022, Samuel has completed 21 personal challenges on air, land and water to raise money for 2 local charities including jet skiing and steam training driving.
  • Nominated for an Unsung Hero Award for his support for essential workers throughout the pandemic.
  • A football lover Samuel visited all 20 Premier League grouns, plus Wemblet in just three days.

Samuel Russell-Pierce is a football-loving, inspirational man who has taken on 21 personal challenges in 2022, raising £6,300 for local charities. Challenges including jet skiing, steam train driving, flying a plane and climbing over the O2 dome have all been part of Samuel’s aim to raise awareness for Downs Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and changing perceptions. 

He completed all 21 challenges in time for World Down’s Syndrome Day on 21 March 2022, in his aim to prove that a sense of adventure, ambition and motivation does not have to be compromised when you have Downs Syndrome. 

I am so excited to take on the Queen’s Baton Relay and prove that nothing can hold me back!
Sam Russell-Pierce, Batonbearer

He has conquered challenges on land, in water and air, visited 20 Premier League football grounds plus Wembley making 21 in three days, come face to face with reptiles, competed in a boxing match, completed the world’s fastest sit-down zip wire, experienced 21 rides at Thorpe Park in one day, surfed at Bristol’s simulated surfing experience Wave and conducted the Brunel Brass Band.  

His family feel Sam's motto would be is that he would try anything in efforts to raise positive awareness which is very much needed. His determination to prove that limitations are there to be pushed has earned him a nomination for a Pride of Swindon Award. 

Sam has been chosen as a Batonbearer as he has proven to be somebody that’s made a meaningful contribution to charity, has taken on these challenges and is changing perceptions for everyone.