Miles For Mary’s Meals

As part of our Miles For Mary’s Meals campaign, our amazing supporters are taking part in sponsored walks, runs and cycles to raise funds for some of the world’s poorest children. 

Mel’s May running challenge 

Melanie Hayes, from Thurso, is usually an active member of her local running club. When the club could no longer meet due to lockdown restrictions, she set herself a challenge and vowed to donate £1 to Mary’s Meals for every mile she ran in a month. 

She says: “I can’t imagine how difficult the coronavirus pandemic has been for children receiving Mary’s Meals. But it’s been wonderful to hear that Mary’s Meals continue to reach hungry children in their homes at this time. Remembering this really motivated me to keep running.” 

Melanie ran an impressive 103.5 miles during the month of May, donating £103.50 to Mary’s Meals. Well done!  

Beverley’s virtual walk to the shed 

Beverley Soltysiak, from Dunoon, decided to walk 360 miles over 100 days – the distance between the Mary’s Meals charity shops in Scotland and the head office in Dalmally.  To date, she has raised £2,500! 

She tells us: “Mary’s Meals is such a simple idea that works. It costs just 8p per meal, so every donation has enormous value. Each year, my local fundraising group aims to raise enough funds to feed 100 children for a whole year, so despite the current situation, I’m hoping my walking challenge will help us reach this target.” 

Beverley plans to celebrate completing her Miles For Mary’s Meals challenge by hosting a socially distanced afternoon tea. We hope you enjoy it, Beverley! 

Zac's 100 miles  

Zac Wright, from Clarkston, set himself the ambitious challenge of running 100 miles in 50 days.  

The inspiring 10-year-old initially planned to raise £238.50, enough to feed 15 children for a whole school year with Mary’s Meals. However, Zac smashed his target, raising £2000 to help some of the world’s poorest children. 

Alan Wright, Zac’s father says: “We are incredibly proud of Zac’s commitment to his challenge. Even in torrential rain, Zac was still out pounding the streets! He really stuck at it.” 

Mike’s half marathon 

Mike Harrison, from Bradford, had planned to take part in the Ilkley Half Marathon to raise funds for Mary’s Meals. 

When the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to organise his own personal half marathon around his neighbourhood in Burley.  

Thanks to generous support from his colleagues, friends and family, Mike has raised an impressive £1,417 – enough to feed 89 children every school day for an entire year. 

Mike says: “I’ve been running seriously for the last 15 years or so, and I didn’t want lockdown to stop me. My two daughters met me at the end of my race with a goody bag of items including a medal, jelly babies, a bottle of juice and a Mary’s Meals t-shirt. As I was the only person running, I can safely say I won the race! 

Thank you to all of our amazing supporters who are going the extra mile to help us reach more hungry children during this uncertain time.  

Could you take on the Miles For Mary’s Meals challenge? Find out more here.