The iconic 80s hit ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ has been reimagined by pop star and mother-of-two, Pixie Lott, with a unique take on its legendary lyrics. Almost 40 years since its original release, McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House UK today launch ‘I’m Gonna Be (79 Miles)’ to highlight the average distance a family will travel to be with their seriously ill or injured child in hospital.
The release of the song, with the blessing of The Proclaimer’s Craig & Charlie Reid, follows new
data from Ronald McDonald House UK showing that families supported by the charity travel an average of 79 miles to be close to their child throughout their medical journey, often losing precious time together during already difficult moments. The charity removes these barriers by helping families with children in hospital stay close and providing a space to call home, minutes away from hospital wards.
With brand new lyrics written by Pixie in collaboration with families supported by the charity, the track captures the emotional and physical journeys experienced by families in these challenging situations and raises awareness of Ronald McDonald House UK’s vital work.
Harnessing the musical talents of four families from across the UK and Ireland, the band was made up of the following members:
- Aidan Hawes, who stayed 72 miles from home for 14 nights in Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park in the Wirral whilst his son Theodore underwent treatment for Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy, caused by oxygen deprivation at birth.
- Dean Amer, who stayed 55 miles from home for 186 nights in Ronald McDonald House Southampton after his son Rafi contracted E coli which led to complications including sepsis, pneumonia, cardiac arrests, strokes and a brain injury.
- Elliot Hibbert, whose family stayed 72 miles from home for five nights in Ronald McDonald House Camberwell whilst he underwent brain surgery.
- Lisa Gaffney and Séan Wall, who stayed 75 miles from home for 227 nights in Ronald McDonald House Dublin to be near daughter, Tilly, whilst she was in hospital being treated for a rare congenital defect known as ‘Pierre Robin Sequence’ which impacted her ability to breathe.
Pixie Lott and the band also starred in a music video, which showcases personal videos from families whose lived experiences are the inspiration behind the song. Featuring children who underwent treatment, alongside their siblings, the video serves as a celebration of their collective experiences, and the community and support that the charity has provided.
Pixie Lott was drawn to the campaign after hearing the stories of families supported by Ronald McDonald House UK, and the emotional reality of the journeys they make to stay close to their children in hospital.
Pixie said: “As a singer, it’s so special to be given the blessing to reimagine such an iconic song; but as a parent, it’s the meaning behind ‘I’m Gonna Be (‘79 Miles)’ that matters most. Being part of a campaign that raises awareness for this incredible charity – and performing alongside such wonderful people and musicians – has been an honour. Please join me in supporting McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House UK and Ronald McDonald House Ireland to help more families stay close to their children when they need it most.”
Ronald McDonald House UK has worked with McDonald’s, its founding and forever partner, for almost forty years. Last year, with the support of McDonald’s and its Franchisees, Ronald McDonald House UK accommodated 8,488 families, who stayed for an average of 16 nights, and saved families from travelling a total of 10 million miles to and from hospital.
Since the charity was established in the UK in 1989, McDonald’s and its Franchisees have raised over £140 million – vital funds that have supported the construction and running of fourteen Ronald McDonald Houses across the UK.
Lauren Schultz, Chief Executive Officer, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Keeping families together, especially when they have a seriously ill or injured child, is something that’s hugely important to McDonald’s. With the help of our customers, crew and Franchisees, we’ve been proud to support Ronald McDonald House UK since 1989.
Ronald McDonald House holds a special place in my heart, as I began my career with the charity in the Chicago Head Quarters. With the launch of ‘I’m Gonna Be (‘79 Miles)’, we hope to shine a light on the real journeys families face when their child is in hospital. By sharing these powerful stories, we hope to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work and help ensure families across the UK can continue to stay close to their children when it matters most.”
Ella Joseph, Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this campaign and deeply grateful to Pixie Lott and the entire McDonald’s family, from customers and crew to Franchisees, as well as the families who generously shared their stories and experiences, helping to raise vital funds and awareness of our work.
“When a child is seriously ill or injured, families don’t just want to visit, they want to stay close, informed and involved in their child’s care. Yet many families travel long distances, often at huge emotional and financial cost, at a time when life already feels overwhelming. At Ronald McDonald House UK, we remove those barriers by providing free accommodation just minutes from children’s hospital wards, giving families a place to rest, maintain everyday routines and support one another for as long as their child needs hospital care.
“‘I’m Gonna Be (79 Miles)’ powerfully brings these journeys to life and shines a light on the reality families face every day. Thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s and the passion Pixie has brought to this project, this campaign will help us reach more families, keep them close to their children, and support them through some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
Ronald McDonald House UK will also be launching a new fundraising challenge following the campaign launch. ‘The 79-Mile Mission’ invites people to run, walk, swim, wheel or cycle 79 miles during July, reflecting the average distance families travel to be with a seriously ill or injured child – all to raise vital funds to support more families in these situations. To find out more visit https://rmh.sync.giving/79-mile-mission.
‘I’m Gonna Be (79 Miles)’ is available now on streaming platforms including Spotify, with the music video live on YouTube. All proceeds from the track will go directly to Ronald McDonald House UK and Ronald McDonald House Ireland* to help support families with seriously ill or injured children in hospital. Customers can also donate the cash equivalent of their MyMcDonald’s Rewards points to Ronald McDonald House UK through the McDonald’s App, donate in-restaurant at kiosks and tills or via www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.uk
To find out more about how you can support Ronald McDonald House, visit: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/good-to-know/ronald-mcdonald-house-charities.html
