Actor Sophie Thompson is championing inspiring mums from around the world this Mother’s Day with international school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals.

The long-time Mary’s Meals supporter, who previously backed the charity during the Double The Love appeal in 2021 with her sister and fellow actor, Emma Thompson, is encouraging people to purchase a Mary’s Meals gift card instead of a traditional gift this Mother’s Day (Sunday, 10 March) to help feed hungry children across the globe.

Sophie has worked across film, television and theatre throughout her career, starring in several award-winning films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One, as well as British TV soaps, Eastenders and Coronation Street. Off screen, Sophie, who is a six-time Olivier Award nominee, is a mother of two sons.

Feeding more than 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries including Liberia, Malawi and Syria, Mary’s Meals serves hungry children a daily nutritious meal in their place of education. However, the transformative work delivered by the charity would not be possible without the sheer determination and love from mothers across the world, who are often the volunteers that prepare the food for the children at school.

Sophie says:

“Being a mother is so rewarding, but it can come with its challenges, and I know from my own experience that it can be difficult to juggle everything all at once. However, the strength and sacrifice of some of these mums, many of whom volunteer their time to come to the schools and prepare meals for the children, is simply awe-inspiring and I’m delighted to be working with Mary’s Meals again to shine a light on their stories.

“The life-changing impact the charity has on millions of children and their families is wonderful. Every child deserves to have the best start in life and by supporting Mary’s Meals you can help make this a possibility.”

One such inspirational mother is Victoria, who lives in Zambia with her three children and husband, Emmanuel. Emmanuel was diagnosed with HIV which has significantly impacted his life and means he cannot work as a volunteer teacher at Katapila Primary School anymore, where his children attend. His illness has meant that the burden of caring for the three children falls on Victoria, who is also HIV positive.

It is a struggle for Victoria to provide enough food for all the children and their youngest child, Evans, 3, was born with disabilities which has affected his development. Victoria farms for food but she is unable to do it fulltime as she is the main caregiver for Evans – who cannot walk or talk, so she carries him on her back which makes farming even harder.

The children often miss meals at home but thanks to the introduction of the school feeding programme at the primary school, her two older sons Benjamin and Edgar receive a nutritious meal providing them with fuel to learn and relieving the pressure on Victoria to feed her family.

Victoria says:

“The children don’t complain about hunger as much as they used to. I am proud of them because they go to school.”

Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says:

“We are beyond grateful to have so many fantastic mums, like Sophie, who, as well as caring for their own children, fundraise and volunteer for Mary’s Meals here in the UK so that they can support other children around the world. They play a pivotal part in sharing our mission.

“In the countries where we work, it’s with the help of mothers who encourage their children to attend school or volunteer to prepare, cook, and serve Mary’s Meals that we’re able to ensure a better path ahead for the next generation.”

This Mother’s Day [Sunday, 10 March] you can help change the lives of children and mothers, like Victoria, by purchasing a beautiful gift card for the wonderful mums in your life.

Sophie adds:

“The gift cards are such a thoughtful present for a loved one this Mother’s Day and you’ll help make a real impact to the lives of children and their families.”

Starting at just £19.15, the gift card can feed a hungry child with a daily meal every day for a whole school year.

To find out more and to purchase a Mother’s Day gift card, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/shop.