Thursday September 25th 2025
87-year-old Ellison Hudson
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Age is no barrier for 87-year-old Ellison Hudson from Bridge of Allan, who has just completed an extraordinary 30-mile tricycle challenge in support of international school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals.
This marks the third challenge Ellison has taken on for the charity, having previously completed cycles in 2018 and 2022. This year, the tenacious great-grandmother wanted to keep up her track record by tackling an incredible 30 miles over three days around the University of Stirling’s racetrack, all to raise awareness for hungry children.
Ellison’s passion for Mary’s Meals began after a visit to Malawi where she witnessed the life-changing impact the charity’s work has on children.
Ellison says: “When I saw the effect that a daily school meal had on the children in Malawi, I just knew I had to do something to help Mary’s Meals reach more children. Over the years, I’ve challenged myself to keep going further and to play my part in helping the mission grow.
“At 87 years old, I might not be as fast as I once was, but I’ve still got plenty of energy to make a difference. Accomplishing my third challenge for the charity was a real joy, and knowing I could bring even a little hope to the children’s lives kept me going.”
Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, provides daily school meals to hungry children in some of the world’s poorest communities. Working across 16 countries, including Haiti, Malawi and South Sudan, the charity ensures children receive a daily meal so they can learn, giving them the chance of a brighter future.
Earlier this month, Mary’s Meals reached a remarkable milestone: feeding more than three million children every school day, which inspired Ellison to take on the 30-mile challenge. The charity has scaled up its programmes across nine countries this year alone, reaching an additional 800,000 children in regions facing war, drought, flooding and political unrest.
Reaching such a significant milestone is thanks to Mary’s Meals’ dedicated volunteers and supporters like Ellison. The charity relies on individuals to not only fundraise but also to share its story and raise awareness of child hunger. Every act of support whether it’s spreading the word, hosting events or encouraging others to get involved helps Mary’s Meals reach more children with the promise of a daily meal.
Ellison, who was cheered around the racetrack by pupils from Bridge of Allan Primary School, continues: “I hope my challenge shows that you’re never too old to try something new! If I can do 30 miles on a tricycle at my age, anyone can find their own way to support this wonderful cause.”
Sally Davidson, Supporter Engagement Officer for East Scotland at Mary’s Meals says: “We are so grateful for supporters like Ellison who go the extra mile, quite literally, for hungry children. Her story reminds us that every effort, big or small, helps us reach more children with life-changing meals.
“Our low-cost approach means a hungry child can learn on a full stomach for just 10p, and it costs only £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year. So, if you’re feeling inspired by Ellison, we invite you to get involved because together, we can make sure more children enjoy a nutritious daily meal at school.”
To learn more about Mary’s Meals or to set up your own fundraiser, visit: https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising
Tweet Share on Facebook
