Olly Murs Moved to Tears by Birthday Surprise

An emotional  broke down on Thursday as he completed day three of a gruelling five day endurance challenge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of  and Soccer Aid. 

The singer has already raised an astonishing £260,000 after electing to run, row, and ride his bike from Manchester United's Old Trafford to London Stadium with no clue what obstacles the route will throw his way each day.

But his emotions got the better of him as he crossed the finish line in Northamptonshire shortly before midnight and the advent of his 41st birthday on May 14. 

Murs, whose efforts have resulted in him needing a toenail removed, was overwhelmed after fans gathered in the darkness to sing happy birthday as he completed his third day. 

'I put a brave face on it today. I felt like I needed to really,' he said. 'I needed to kind of hit it, I needed to kind of tackle it full on and there were times that I was really struggling but, you know, all the people that have come along today, I really appreciate it. It means a lot. 

'I feel bad I didn’t get a chance to see everyone and thank them personally but it really means a lot. I’m putting my body out there on the line and the donations really help so thank you.' 

With his route for day one revealed live on Heart Radio, Murs needed a toenail removed before he set off on foot from the wild heathland of Cannock Chase.

He then tackled the biggest ride of the challenge – over 100km through the centre of Lichfield, along an ancient Roman road and via a tough climb through Nuneaton. 

Just past Warwickshire town Rugby, Murs ran in the dark to Nether Heyford to a crowd of supporters singing him an early ‘happy birthday’ in what was his latest finish.

The day was full of torrential rain and even an unexpected reroute to avoid a local fire but fellow Heart presenter, Emma Bunton, shared a good luck message to spur him on.

Last year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF Challenger, Sam Thompson, also

'I just want you to know how much I flipping respect you,' he said. 'I mean that from the bottom of my soul. I know what it’s like to put yourself – at 41 – in a position where you’ve had knee operations and you’re doing it all, I am in awe.'  

Murs is tackling some of the UK’s toughest terrain as he runs, . 

Jake Quickenden, who recently joined Murs for a run live on This Morning, said: 'That was actually very tough. My legs are burning. It was all uphill. The weather was absolutely horrendous.

'What Olly likes to do, I think, is he puts a smile on and pretends he’s alright but deep down he’s in the trenches. His shins are hurting him. His knees are hurting him. Hats off. The guy’s doing amazing. 

'What he’s doing for children all over the world. It’s going to help so many people. You can see he just wants to get as many donations in for these kids. It means the world to him. 

Murs is tackling some of the UK’s toughest terrain as he runs, rows and rides his way from Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium, where Soccer Aid first kicked-off 20 years ago