Thurso runner jogs her way to raising £100 for Mary's Meals -feeding six children for a year
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A woman from Thurso has been helping to meet the costs of feeding six children living in poverty by putting on her running shoes.
Melanie Heyes donated £1 for every mile she ran in a month –not only motivating herself– but raising money for Scottish charity Mary's Meals.
Now people in the Highlands are being encouraged to raise funds to feed hungry children by taking on a Miles For Mary’s Meals challenge.
The school feeding charity wants supporters to get active and make a donation, or ask for sponsorship, for every mile they achieve.
Melanie Hayes decided to donate £1 for every mile that she ran in a month. She managed an impressive 103.5 miles – and donated enough to feed more than six children with Mary’s Meals for a year.
Ms Hayes says: “I can’t imagine how difficult the coronavirus pandemic has been for the children receiving Mary’s Meals. But it’s wonderful to hear that this amazing charity continues to reach hungry children in their homes at this time.
"Remembering this really motivated me to keep running.”
Karen Gray, UK director of communications at Mary’s Meals, said: “Whether it’s running a marathon, committing to a daily walk or getting on your bike, there are lots of ways you can take part in our Miles For Mary’s Meals campaign.
“Simply set yourself a challenge and raise funds for every mile you meet.”
Mary’s Meals serves nutritious meals in schools in 19 of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of food attracts impoverished children to the classroom, where they can gain an education that will one day be their ladder out of poverty.
With schools across the globe closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has been quick to adapt, working with governments and local communities to develop safe methods of distribution which allow almost all the children who normally enjoy its meals to eat at home instead.
Ms Gray added: “We are so grateful to supporters like Melanie for going the extra mile to help feed hungry children during
this uncertain time. I hope that others will be inspired to take on some miles for Mary’s Meals.”
It costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. To find out more visit marysmeals.org.uk.
