A Place In The Sun star Jean Johansson calls on public to get walking for Mary’s Meals

TV presenter is encouraging people to Move For Meals this National Walking Day to raise funds to feed hungry children

TV star Jean Johansson is encouraging people to Move For Meals this National Walking Day (2 April). 

The Port Glasgow-raised A Place in the Sun presenter has teamed up with international school meals charity Mary’s Meals to get the Great British public to take on a sponsored walk and raise money to feed hungry children. 

A keen walker herself, Jean, who has also reported on The One Show and This Morning, says: “There are so many beautiful walks in the UK! My favourite walk is in Largs, I love walking along the beautiful beach and promenade there. But we live in the UK, so there are so many great hikes, or you could just go and walk through the city centre if you like. We’ve got so much beautiful nature here, you are spoilt for great walks. 

“I’d love for you to get out and walk for Mary’s Meals! It’s a great and easy way to raise some cash. You can even do it with a pal or a local walking group and get your friends and family to sponsor you and turn your moves into meals for some of the world’s most disadvantaged children.” 

Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, serves its school meals to more than 2.6 million children in 16 of the world’s poorest countries, including Haiti, Malawi and Lebanon. The promise of a daily meal encourages children into the classroom where they will gain an education that could be their ladder out of poverty. 

By taking on an active fundraiser this National Walking Day, people will be helping children like 14-year-old Gabriel from Zambia. The youngster loves playing football during his breaktimes at school, something that he has the energy to do now that he receives a daily bowl of vitamin and mineral fortified porridge from Mary’s Meals. When he first attended school, there was no meal, which was a struggle for Gabriel. 

He says: “I was always hungry. Now, my stomach is full, and I can fully participate in class. School is a good thing and when you get educated, you can lead a better life.” 

Dan McNally, Co-Lead of Supporter Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “Just like Jean, I’ll be out and about in my local area this National Walking Day. It would be great to see lots of people get their walking shoes on and fundraise for Mary’s Meals. It costs just £19.15 to feed a child like Gabriel with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year – that’s just 10p a meal – so whatever money you can raise will go so far!” 

To find out more about Mary’s Meals, and to create a Move For Meals fundraiser, please visit: marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/move-for-meals