FROM DALMALLY TO MALAWI: The champion runner is asking people to clock up miles this April to raise funds for Mary’s Meals
Scottish long-distance running champion Eilish McColgan, who broke the British half-marathon record at the weekend, is calling on people to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to Mary’s Meals’ new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.
Founded 20 years ago in a shed in Argyll, Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
Eilish, who is currently training for this April’s London Marathon, says: “As a sportsperson, I am really passionate about helping people to enjoy keeping fit. That’s why I’m delighted to support Mary’s Meals’ new active challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi.
“There’s still time to sign up and help feed children in some of the world’s poorest communities. All you need to do is pledge to complete a number of miles in April and ask friends and family for sponsorship.
By signing up to the challenge, Scots will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals.
From walking, to running, to swimming – participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose. The money raised through sponsorship will help to feed desperately hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re really grateful to Eilish for going the extra mile for Mary’s Meals, and backing our new fundraising challenge.
“However many miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join us this April!”
People signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive online community, where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.
By taking part, people in Scotland will be helping children like Exton from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, he eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills his empty stomach and gives him energy to learn.
Exton says: “I come to school knowing that I will find food. Mary’s Meals gives me joy and happiness and that helps me to pass with flying colours in class.”
To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit: marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/from-dalmally-to-malawi