West Highland Way Fundraiser
Hikers from US and Europe take on 96-mile West Highland Way to support Scottish charity Mary’s Meals.
Daryl has united 16 friends from across the globe to raise £20,000 to feed children in the world’s poorest communities
A group of 16 friends are set to embark on the 96-mile West Highland Way trek, aiming to raise £20,000 for Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides daily school meals to more than 2.6 million children in some of the world’s poorest communities.
From Wednesday, 28 May to Thursday, 5 June, the group – 13 from Utah and Washington, two from the Netherlands, and one from Scotland – will take on the legendary walking route from Milngavie to Fort William. The journey will be led by Daryl Watson from Dunfermline, whose connection to the charity runs deep.
Daryl first met Mary’s Meals Founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, at an award ceremony in 2016 and was inspired by the charity’s mission. Since then, the experienced business leader, sales director and coach has supported the organisation by mentoring members of its senior leadership team and even fundraised alongside his family. In 2021, he and his youngest daughter completed a parachute jump to raise money for the life-changing cause.
Now, as Daryl approaches his 60th birthday, he’s taking on this personal milestone with purpose. He says: “For many years, I’ve wanted to walk the West Highland Way. What better way to celebrate a new decade of my life than by challenging myself and raising money for a cause close to my heart.”
Mary’s Meals was founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands and today provides a daily school meal to children across 16 countries, including Ethiopia, India and South Sudan. The charity is known for its cost-effective model: just 10p will provide a nutritious school meal to a hungry child.
Daryl and his fellow hikers all served as volunteer missionaries in Belgium and the Netherlands between 2021 and 2024. The group has stayed connected through their shared faith and sees this trek as a meaningful way to reconnect and reflect on their shared path. For many, it will be their first time in Scotland.
The West Highland Way offers an unforgettable journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes; from countryside parks and loch shores to open moorlands and rugged mountains.
Daryl has been preparing for the challenge by walking daily. He continues: “I’m excited but also a bit nervous – it’s a long walk! I’ve been getting out for regular hikes, walking daily for four or five miles for the last few months and I’ve also put in a few longer walks on a Saturday, up to 15 miles. I’ve finally managed to break in my walking boots!
“But more than anything, I’m really looking forward to the time with my friends again and the chance to support such an incredible charity.”
Dan McNally, Co-Lead for Supporter Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We are so thankful for incredible supporters like Daryl and the rest of the group. Their dedication is truly inspiring, not only are they taking on a physically demanding challenge, but they’re doing it to help feed children who might otherwise go hungry.
“Every step they take brings hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. It’s people like them who make our work possible, and we’re deeply grateful for their compassion and commitment.”
Whether you’re going solo or teaming up with friends, taking on an active challenge is a powerful way to support Mary’s Meals and help feed hungry children around the world. Turn your moves into meals by starting a Move For Meals fundraiser at www.marysmeals.org.uk/move-for-meals.
