Gruelling times ahead for teen Rotherham United supporter Ollie - but it's all for good causes

A Rotherham United supporter is preparing to take on two tough challenges which will test his fitness and endurance.

Nineteen-year-old Ollie Slack has set himself the tasks of climbing North Africa’s highest mountain and completing a full-distance IRONMAN challenge.

But his efforts will be for two good causes - Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT) and Rotherham Hospice.

Ollie, a lifelong Millers fan and season ticket holder, will be undertaking the two endurance challenges next year and is hoping that the Rotherham community will get behind him.

His first challenge will see him travel to Morocco in March to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, standing at 4,167 metres.

He will then take part in IRONMAN Leeds where he will attempt to complete a gruelling full-distance triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile marathon run.

Ollie has always been encouraged by his family to embrace physical activity and push himself to achieve new goals but the two challenges will be his toughest yet.

Ollie’s decision to fundraise for Rotherham United Community Trust and Rotherham Hospice was inspired by the success of the Game of the Century, a charity football match held at the end of the 2025/26 season, which brought the two organisations together to raise vital funds for their work across the town.

He said: “I took inspiration from the Centenary game, and how many people were behind it.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work, late nights and early mornings in rain, heatwaves and everything in between but hopefully as a result I can create a similar impact with this solo endeavour.”

The funds raised will support the ongoing work of both charities, helping them continue to provide valuable services, opportunities and support to people across Rotherham.

Emma Schofield, director of development at RUCT, said: “It's fantastic to see Ollie taking on two incredible challenges to raise money for Rotherham United Community Trust and Rotherham Hospice.

“His determination to push himself at such a young age, while giving back to two organisations that make a real difference in our community, is truly inspiring.

“The Game of the Century showed the power of bringing people together for great causes, and it’s brilliant to see that spirit continuing through Ollie’s fundraising journey.

“Every donation will help us continue our work supporting people across Rotherham, and we’re incredibly grateful to Ollie for choosing to support us. ”

Emily Stephenson, from Rotherham Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ollie for choosing to support Rotherham Hospice alongside Rotherham United Community Trust.

“Taking on challenges as demanding as these at just 19 years old is a fantastic achievement and his determination to make a difference to people in his local community is truly inspiring.

“Every donation raised will help us continue providing compassionate, specialist care and support to patients and their families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.”

To donate and support Ollie as he takes on Mount Toubkal and IRONMAN Leeds in 2027, visit https://givestar.io/gs/toubkal-im-leeds