Big hearted Bellshill family go virtual distance to Malawi for Mary’s Meals

Walking the distance from their home in Bellshill to Blantyre in Malawi – one of the 19 countries where the charity serves meals each school day – the family foursome will need to collectively walk an average of five miles each day over 2021 to reach their goal.

Along with local daily walks, Karen Bonner, 37, Steven, 41, and their two children Liam, eight and Ryan, six, plan to organise seasonal walking events throughout the year, including a 10-mile Easter walk from their home to the David Livingston Centre in Blantyre.

The Bonner family have set an ambitious fundraising target of £7,138 – £1 for every mile that they walk. To date, they have raised £1,080 which will be matched by the UK government as part of the charity’s Double The Love campaign.

Karen Bonner, 37, said: “As a family, we absolutely love Mary’s Meals, and are amazed by its simple concept. We have supported the charity in lots of different ways over the years; from making donations in lieu of wedding favours at our wedding, to taking part in a Lent fundraising challenge.

“In order to complete our challenge, we will arrange walking events throughout the year, and on winter nights, we’ll use the treadmill at home.”

During January and throughout the year, 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. And thanks to the charity’s Double The Love campaign, donations made will go twice as far.

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.

Gillian McMahon, director of supporter engagement at Mary’s Meals, said: “We are so grateful to the Bonner family 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. 

For more information and to donate please visit marysmeals.org.uk