We are delighted to release a powerful new version of an iconic song to shine a light on the journeys families make to stay close to their seriously ill or injured children, with the support of our founding and forever partner, McDonald’s.
‘I’m Gonna Be (79 Miles)’ has been recorded by Pixie Lott alongside families supported by us, with the blessing of The Proclaimers’ Craig and Charlie Reid. The song reimagines the well-known track with new lyrics rooted in real family experiences, capturing both the emotional and physical journeys families face.
The song is inspired by a simple but striking truth: families travel 79 miles on average to be by their child’s side in hospital. For many, that journey becomes part of everyday life during some of their most difficult moments.
You can stream the song HERE.
Bringing families’ experiences to life
Pixie recorded the track in collaboration with families who have stayed in our Houses in the UK and Ireland, helping to tell their stories through music. As Pixie shared,
“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”
From long nights far from home to the need to stay close during treatment, these lived experiences sit at the heart of the song. The accompanying music video features real moments from families’ journeys and is a celebration of resilience, love and the importance of staying close.
Meet the families behind the song
The talented band behind ‘79 Miles’ is made up of families from across the UK and Ireland who have experienced first-hand the challenges of having a child in hospital. Between them, they have travelled hundreds of miles and spent weeks and months staying in our Houses to be close to their children during treatment.
You can learn more about their stories by clicking below:
You can learn more about the families that Ronald McDonald House Ireland supports here.
Introducing the 79 Mile Mission
To help bring the song and what it represents to life, we’re launching a new fundraising challenge for July 2026, the 79 Mile Mission. This is your chance to walk, run or wheel 79 miles with your family, friends and colleagues, or, simply by yourself and show families they’re not alone.
You can find out more here: https://rmh.sync.giving/79-mile-mission
Why it matters
As our CEO Ella Joseph explains,
“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.
“We’re incredibly excited about this launch 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.”