Mary-Jannet Leith

Crown Court Church of Scotland

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Challenge closing date:

31/05/2026
My story

This May, I’m going to be running 70k in May to support families in Nairobi facing hunger. At Crown Court Church of Scotland, we always mark Christian Aid Week with a fundraising challenge, and so I'm joining our Christian Aid representative Harry to raise money for mothers in Kenya, who face the devastating reality of urban poverty and the daily struggle to feed their children. 

Christian Aid does the most incredible work across the world, working with local partners to help people build brighter futures - growing food, earning incomes and standing up for justice - and this is a charity that means a huge amount to me.

This will be quite the challenge for me, as I'm not the world's fastest runner by any stretch of the imagination! I only started running last year, completing Couch to 5k in September. I'll be taking part in a 10k race in Hyde Park on 30th May - my first of that length. I have had to pause training over the past few weeks due to a minor leg injury, but I'm now back to full strength, and what better way to celebrate than to run for this amazing cause! 

Mary-Jannet Leith

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How your money helps

You can support families facing the daily stress of food insecurity in Nairobi.

In the crowded and noisy settlements of Nairobi, parents like Fridah wake up knowing they must earn money – otherwise their children won’t eat that evening. But with tools, seeds and training from our partner, Beacon of Hope, families can grow nutritious vegetables in small city spaces and grow hope for the future.

Every pound you raise could help:

  • provide seeds and tools so people can grow food in small spaces.
  • fund training so people can plan ahead and protect their livelihoods.
  • support community-led projects that strengthen food security and incomes. 
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Fridah tending her urban farm in Dagoretti, Nairobi Credit: Christian Aid / David Macharia
Fridah tending her urban farm in Dagoretti, Nairobi
Been inspired to take part?

You can get involved in Christian Aid Week too! Set up your own fundraiser, take on a challenge, or create a digital envelope and invite others to give.

Take part in Christian Aid Week