Miles For Mary’s Meals
Record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont goes the extra mile for Mary’s Meals, and you can too, either walking, running or cycling!
We know how much you enjoy supporting our Helping Hand Appeal for Mary’s Meals, and now the charity is giving the public an extra way to donate to their much needed feeding programme.
British long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont is lending his star pedal power to Mary’s Meals and encouraging people to get active in support of the school feeding charity’s work.
Miles For Mary’s Meals
Mark, the fastest person to ever ride around the world, is asking people to take part in the fundraiser Miles For Mary’s Meals, by setting themselves a fun, exercise-based challenge.
Pictured before lockdown with his trusty wheels near his home in Edinburgh, Mark is helping the charity launch the campaign today. He currently holds the world record for cycling 18,000 miles around the world in less than 79 days but you don’t need to set yourself such an ambitious goal!
Last year was very difficult for all of us but at the start of a new year what better way to begin 2021 than by taking on a new challenge and at the same time fundraising to help others. Mark
“Whether, like me, you try a cycling challenge, go jogging around your neighbourhood, or lace up your boots and go walking, there are so many ways that you can get involved with Miles For Mary’s Meals. It’s a fantastic way to get more active and also help feed hungry children in the world’s poorest communities.”
Double The Love
A boy in Liberia receiving Mary’s Meals Pic: Chris Watt
And thanks to Double The Love, donations made will go twice as far. Give until January 31 2021, and the UK government with match public donations to the charity, up to £2 million.
Funds raised will allow Mary’s Meals to reach hungry children in Bong County, Liberia, with a life-changing meal at school. In Liberia, where 64 per cent of girls are out of school, this work is critical and will enable many more to receive an education.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister, Wendy Morton, said,
I am proud the government is supporting Mary’s Meals’ Double the Love campaign by matching the public’s generous donations and hope many people will take up the Miles For Mary’s Meals challenge this New Year.
“Together we can have twice the impact and ensure that more than 43,000 hungry children in Liberia receive a nutritious meal every day, making a positive and lasting difference to people living in some of the world’s poorest countries.”
How to get involved
This is a flexible campaign that allows you to set your own active challenge, so everyone can get involved. This could be walking, running, swimming or wheeling over a certain distance, either on one day or over a set period of time. Those taking part can raise funds by either collecting sponsorship or choosing to donate to mark their achievement.
Gillian McMahon, director of supporter engagement at Mary’s Meals, added, “Whether it’s doing your regular run, getting on your bike or upping your daily step count, we hope that lots of people will get moving and take part in Miles For Mary’s Meals. Simply set yourself a goal and raise funds for every mile you meet, knowing that your efforts are bringing the hope of a brighter future to children in Liberia.”
Those taking part in Miles for Mary’s Meals are asked to ensure that they participate in their chosen exercise challenge safely and in line with Covid-19 restrictions in their local area.
To find out more about organising your own Miles For Mary’s Meals fundraiser, visit marysmeals.org.uk.
Mark Beaumont talks about the campaign
How Mary’s Meals will use the funds
- Give until January 31 2021 and your donation will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2 million – meaning Mary’s Meals can reach even more hungry children in Liberia with life-changing school meals.
- For just £15.90 Mary’s Meals can feed a child for a whole school year.
- Any funds raised above the £2m matched funding target will allow children across the 19 countries in which the charity works to receive Mary’s Meals.
Allison Hay
I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
