A group of Celtic supporters who have previously volunteered for Celtic FC Foundation and Mary’s Meals through the overseas trips to Zambia and Malawi will be taking part in the upcoming Miles for Meals fundraising initiative.

Michael, Ross, Phil and Martin will join a hardy group of other participants in the three-day trek, leaving Dalmally and joining the West Highland Way on the way to Paradise.

Both the Foundation and Mary’s Meals have worked closely in recent years as a host of Foundation volunteers provided vital assistance at schools in Malawi and Zambia.

Through our 2017 #LionsLegacy campaign, 67 Kitchens are helping to ensure nutritious meals are served to almost 45,000 hungry children every day.

Michael Taggart explained why he decided to get involved again, saying: “The opportunity to have seen, first-hand, the life-changing impact that Celtic FC Foundation and Mary's Meals' collaborative work had on the people we supported in Zambia was the most humbling experience of my life.

'The shared ethos of compassion, respect and desire to make a meaningful impact on those less fortunate is one which will always resonate with me.'

"To have the opportunity to meet up and enjoy time with friends I made in Zambia is a massive draw. They are inspiring individuals and together as a unit, a real force to be reckoned with.”

Ross Hart (pictured above), one of Michael’s Zambia team-mates, said: “As a Celtic fan, it makes me very proud that not only do we have a charitable foundation, but that the work they do in so many different areas is so important.

'Mary’s Meals’ work is just as important, providing not only food to those in need, but a chance at education which may help improve their situations.'

"This trek is supporting both charities so should give us all extra motivation. I am really looking forward to meeting some familiar faces that I have not seen since our trips away.

!We all had such a great time and built a special bond in that huge undertaking and this new challenge is something I am looking forward to, with them, as well as with new faces.”

Phil Rowan, who also joined the trip to Zambia in 2019, said: “I’ve signed up for Miles for Meals as Zambia was such a humbling experience and again, I get the chance to fundraise with the Foundation and Mary’s Meals, for two great causes.

"It’s a great opportunity to catch up with people from the Zambia group as well as a bigger group of likeminded people. I love a good walk and after the past couple of years it’s a good opportunity to give something back.”

Our final Zambia trip fundraiser, who will be joining the Dalmally to Glasgow trek, is Martin Cummings, who spoke of the work done by both charities in Zambia.

'I am always impressed with the work that Celtic FC Foundation does, and Zambia allowed me to see first-hand the work Mary's Meals does.'

"Being able to see the real difference they make when working together all across the world, is exactly why I wanted to get involved this year in Miles for Meals. I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the walk itself as it'll be great for both my fitness and mental health.”

Due to the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been unable to travel to Africa since 2019. However, we are thrilled to have once again joined forces with Mary’s Meals for Miles for Meals.

Funds raised will be shared equally, with net proceeds devoted to supporting the work of both organisations in alleviating food poverty, locally and internationally.

To participate in the Miles for Meals trek, participants must commit to raising a minimum of £500 (after entry fee) in support of the work of Celtic FC Foundation and Mary’s Meals. Upon registration we will provide a sponsorship pack and all participants will receive a Miles for Meals fundraising T-shirt.

Registration is open HERE and the non-refundable registration fee is £50 per person. Participants must be aged 18 or over on the day of departure. Please ensure you read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS thoroughly, before registering.

Miles for Meals promises to be a wonderful new initiative in support of the vital work of Celtic FC Foundation and Mary’s Meals and we look forward to a host of supporters of both charities joining us.

If you are interested in taking part you can register HERE, or if you have any further questions please call 0141 551 4321 or email cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk.

Overseas trip volunteers join Miles for Meals trek