Judy Murray has stepped in to help an Argyll charity serve up school meals to kids in need around the world.
The top tennis coach and campaigner – also known as Andy and Jamie’s mum – has joined forces with Mary’s Meals.
The charity, founded in a shed in Dalmally, has warned that the world is facing a hunger crisis of unprecedented proportions.
The desperate scenario has been brought about by conflict, climate change and Covid.
So they have relaunched their Double The Love campaign – which will see donations made until January doubled, up to £1.5 million.
And now, they have the backing of Ms Murray.
She said: “I am delighted to announce that donations to Mary’s Meals are being doubled this winter – meaning this wonderful charity can reach even more children with daily school meals.
“It’s game, set, match funding – so please give, if you can!”
Why is it needed?
Mary’s Meals feeds 2,279,941 children every day in countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, India and Yemen.
The idea is that the children come for the meal, but stay for the education – and hopefully a better future.
Suzy Harley, head of supporter care at Mary’s Meals, said: “Every day, we encounter new children who desperately need our life-changing meals.
“And every day we find new ways of reaching them thanks to the kindness of those who believe in our mission. But it has never been more difficult to do so – and that is why we need your support now more than ever.
“Double The Love is an important opportunity for us to feed even more little ones. We are deeply thankful to Judy and everyone who is helping us keep our promise to the more than 2.2 million children who rely on our meals, while allowing us to reach the next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals.”
Thanks to the charity’s low-cost approach it costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals every school day for a year. And, thanks to Double The Love, a donation of £15.90 made before 31 January 2023 will feed two children for a year.
Who does it help? Ketty’s story
Ketty, 13 and from Zambia, loves sport – particularly football.
She attends Magwero Boarding School for the Deaf where she eats Mary’s Meals.
Ketty lost her hearing when she was just two years old after contracting malaria.
She said: “I love the porridge from Mary’s Meals and I love playing football with my friends.
“I am glad to have an education and the chance to learn, because that was all I ever wanted.
“I’m glad to have the skill of sign language to communicate.
“I thought there was nothing I could do but finding a school like this one made me very happy.”
To find out more and donate, visit marysmeals.org.uk/double.
Conversation