Eilish McColgan praises charity supporters on fundraising efforts

The record-breaking runner had called on people to sign up for Mary’s Meals’ From Dalmally to Malawi challenge 

Champion runner Eilish McColgan has congratulated Mary’s Meals supporters for taking part in the charity’s inaugural From Dalmally to Malawi fundraising challenge. 

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million hungry children every school day in 18 countries – including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a meal attracts these children into the classroom, giving them energy to learn and hope for a brighter future. 

In April, the charity’s supporters collectively clocked up over 31,000 miles, eclipsing the 7,000 miles target, to travel virtually 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. 

Eilish, who last month broke the British half-marathon record, says: ”I want to congratulate everyone who took part in the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge! I’ve been cheering everyone on as they’ve been raising vital funds for Mary’s Meals.  

“It’s always an exhilarating feeling to cross the finish line after a lot of hard work, and I’m sure lots of joy was had throughout the journey too.  

“As a runner, I’m very passionate about keeping fit. Although one race has come to an end, people can continue to stay active and support Mary’s Meals by taking part in the charity’s Move for Meals challenge. Knowing that small steps can make a big difference, I’d encourage everyone to pull on their walking or running shoes and get involved.” 

Funds raised by the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge will help Mary’s Meals to reach children like Stephanie, who features in a video created by the charity to document the virtual journey from Scotland to the East of Africa.  

Stephanie is one of 151,968 children in Liberia who relies on the charity’s nutritious school meals. 

She says: “I love Mary’s Meals because they help to keep me in school by providing the food for us. 

“I want to say congratulations to those of you who cycled, ran and walked and those who provided money to support Mary’s Meals. Thank you.” 

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “Our supporters and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re incredibly grateful they came out in force to take part in the very first From Dalmally to Malawi challenge.  

“If this challenge has inspired you to get active, you can sign up to our Move For Meals fundraiser. Whether you walk, skip, dance or swim – you can turn your moves into meals by asking friends and family to donate to your challenge.” 

To find out how you can get involved, visit marysmeals.org.uk for more information.