Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

Born in Aberdeen in 1968, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow started his career as a fish farmer. When the Balkan conflict began, he and his brother Fergus were moved by the distressing scenes on television. In 1992, they collected a jeep load of aid and joined a convoy traveling to Medjugorje in Bosnia. Upon his return, the ongoing public donations filled his parents' garage in Dalmally. MacFarlane-Barrow left his job to drive the aid as long as it was needed. The continuous flow of donations led to the establishment of a registered charity initially known as Scottish International Relief.

This organization evolved into what is known today as Mary’s Meals, a global charity that serves daily meals to 2.4 million children in their place of education across various countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The mission of Mary’s Meals is to ensure that every child receives a daily meal in their place of education, fostering an environment where children can focus on their studies rather than their stomachs.

MacFarlane-Barrow was honored with an OBE for his services to education in 2011. He was also recognized by CNN as one of 2010's 'Top Ten Heroes' and named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. He is a best-selling author, with his book "The Shed that Fed a Million Children" published in 9 languages, reflecting the global impact and support for Mary’s Meals. MacFarlane-Barrow has also shared his insights and experiences through keynote speeches at significant events, including the CNN Heroes Award ceremony. His topics range from charity work and education to inspiration and overcoming adversity, drawing on his extensive experience in leading a movement that unites people across different faiths and backgrounds.