A cyclist from Greenock is using pedal power to help feed impoverished children in third world countries

Andrew Miller pushed his body to the limit by cycling 200 miles round the Outer Hebrides in aid of Mary’s Meals – a charity which provides food to some of the world’s poorest children.

The determined 46-year-old and three of his friends took up the challenge to celebrate the 25th anniversary of them meeting at Glasgow University.

Andrew said: "The cycle was a brilliant way to mark the anniversary and was something we always spoke about doing.

"It was also a great opportunity to support the fantastic work of Mary’s Meals, a charity close to our hearts.

"It was a terrific trip, we got to take in some stunning views, such as the Callanish standing stones and the famous beach runway at Barra.

"We’ve worked out that we cycled the equivalent height of three Munros during the 200-mile cycle, so it was certainly a tough challenge.”

The friends set a fundraising target of £500 but more than doubled that amount, with donations still coming in following the three-day Hebridean Way trek, which started in Barra and ended at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.

Andrew added: "We are delighted to have smashed our fundraising target, raising enough to feed 100 hungry children for an entire school year and donations are still coming in. "We would like to thank everyone who has supported us.

"We all really believe in the simple idea behind Mary’s Meals, that each child deserves a nutritious daily meal in a place of education.

"With the current food crisis in South Sudan, Mary’s Meals’ work there has never been more important."

Mary’s Meals fundraising officer, Morven Macgillivray, has praised Andrew and his friends.

She said: “This was such a brilliant way for supporters to get together to support our work and we are very grateful for their amazing efforts.

“It is amazing that hungry children have friends on the other side of the world who want to help transform their lives by supporting this wonderful work.”