Distance runner Sam, ten, completes 100km challenge to help feed hungry children

An inspiring pupil from Kirkliston Primary School has undertaken a long-distance run to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Sam Johnston decided to fundraise for the charity Mary’s Meals by running 100-kilometres, representing the distance he lives from his grandparents, who he’s been missing because they are shielding.

The plucky ten-year-old completed the distance over a series of 20-minute runs and has raised an incredible £1,000 for the school feeding charity.

Mary’s Meals is reaching more than 1.6 million hungry children in 19 of the poorest countries with a nutritious daily meal. 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.

Sam says: “I wanted to fundraise for Mary’s Meals as I’m lucky to have enough to eat and at this time of year when we’re all eating plenty, it made me think about other children my own age who have very little.”

The charity is asking more people to get active by taking part in its Miles For Mary’s Meals campaign to raise funds to help feed hungry children.

It costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire year. . Give until January 31, and the UK government with match public donations to the charity, up to £2 million. Funds raised will allow Mary’s Meals to reach more than 43,000 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.

Gillian McMahon, director of supporter engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We are so grateful to Sam for going the extra mile to help feed hungry children during this uncertain time.”

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/miles

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