Inspirational Malvern mum Carol Ann walks 60 miles for her 60th birthday to help feed world's poorest children - The Malvern Observer

Inspirational Malvern mum Carol Ann walks 60 miles for her 60th birthday to help feed world's poorest children

Malvern Editorial 13th Jan, 2021   0

AN INSPIRING mum from Great Malvern has undertaken a long-distance walk to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

When Carol Ann Harnett had to cancel her 60th birthday party celebrations due to the pandemic, she decided instead to fund-raise for the charity Mary’s Meals by walking 60 miles, representing each year of her life.

She walked a 60-mile circuit around her home town, finding the most challenging aspects unmarked paths and the days getting shorter and darker.

Her fund-raising target was £600, but to date she has raised nearly £2,500 for the school feeding charity.




Mary’s Meals is reaching more than 1.6million 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.

Carol Ann said: “I have been amazed at how much support I have received.


“When asked about how much I expected to raise, I thought that I would be lucky to get a few donations of £10 from people so I hesitated between £500 and £600. To get four times that amount is amazing!”

During January, 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 £2m.

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 Carol Ann for going the extra mile to help feed hungry children during this uncertain time.

“Whether it’s doing your regular run, getting on your bike or upping your daily step count, we hope that lots of people will get moving and take part in Miles For Mary’s Meals.

“Simply set yourself a goal and raise funds for every mile you meet, knowing that your efforts are bringing the hope of a brighter future to children in Liberia.”

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.

Visit marysmeals.org.uk/miles for more.

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