Family duo take on Great North Run to support Mary’s Meals in memory of daughter
Mike and Tati Hewitt from York raised more than £2,600 helping to feed 130 children for a whole school year
A father and daughter duo took on the iconic Great North Run to raise funds for Mary’s Meals, inspired by the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, Mariana.
Mike Hewitt, 52, and Tati Hewitt, 23, from York decided to challenge themselves to complete the iconic 13.1-mile route that begins in Newcastle and finishes at South Shields as a way to improve their fitness while supporting our work.
Mike explained their motivation: “Mary’s Meals is a charity very close to our hearts… We very sadly lost Mariana, my daughter and Tati’s sister, when she was nearly four in March 2015, from a short illness.
Mariana was full of joy, hope and happiness, and after she went to heaven, we have tried to support a school in Malawi under the Mary’s Meals programme, to help bring some of this joy and hope to those children, in memory of Mariana.
The Hewitt family are long-time supporters of Mary’s Meals. Mike has previously raced in international triathlons, while the family has organised coffee mornings and given community talks to raise awareness and support for the charity.
Reflecting on the run, Mike says: “The run was great – so much support from the Geordie crowds but also moving to see so many people running for good causes and with their own stories to tell. It was wonderful to see the Mary’s Meals team after the Tyne Bridge, being very vocal in their support for us.
“It was also great to share the whole experience with Tati, although I didn’t run alongside her as she zoomed off from the start line!”
Supporters like Mike and Tati are vital to Mary’s Meals’ work. Their £2,612 donation helps provide nutritious daily meals that are not only a lifeline for hungry children but also give them the chance to learn and build a brighter future.
Fran Lawson, Supporter Engagement Officer for the North of England at Mary’s Meals, says: “What an incredible achievement! Their efforts will make a huge difference to the lives of hungry children around the world.
Supporters like Mike and Tati are the heartbeat of Mary’s Meals. We couldn’t reach the millions of children we do without people choosing to give their time, energy and love in this way.
Mike encourages others to get involved, saying: “Mary’s Meals is an amazing charity that supports hungry children in the poorest communities of our world, offering real hope and a lasting solution to poverty. Humble in structure but mighty in achievement, it delivers what it promises and makes a huge and lasting difference to the lives of millions of children.”
