Judy Murray is encouraging people across Scotland to give to Mary’s Meals this winter – so that the charity can reach even more hungry children with its nutritious school meals.

The British tennis coach is supporting the Double The Love campaign – which will see donations made to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2023 doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.5 million.

Judy says: “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!”

Mary’s Meals, which was founded in a shed in Argyll, feeds an incredible 2,279,941 children every day in countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, India and Yemen.

The promise of a meal at school attracts hungry children into the classroom where, instead of working or looking for food, they can gain an education and hope for a better future.

But the charity has warned that the world is facing a hunger crisis of unprecedented proportions brought about by conflict, climate change and Covid-19 – making its work both challenging and indispensable.

Judy took part in a Q&A at an event held at Glasgow Caledonian University on Saturday, November 12 to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity. Mary’s Meals’ founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, also spoke at the celebration.

Suzy Harley, head of supporter care at Mary’s Meals, says: “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. To find out more, visit marysmeals.org.uk/double.

Ketty’s story

Like Judy, 13-year-old Ketty from Zambia loves sport – though football is her game of choice!

Ketty attends Magwero Boarding School for the Deaf where she eats Mary’s Meals. She lost her hearing when she was just two years old after contracting malaria.

Ketty says: “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 am 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.”