Barry finally makes the field
A FRIMLEY father-of-two is fulfilling his dream by running the TCS London Marathon on Sunday.
After years of applying to take part in the event, Barry Meacher is finally able to “scratch that itch” and is preparing to take on the run in aid of The Children’s Society.
Barry, an active, sporty dad who spends his time in skate parks, on climbing walls (not him as he does not like heights), swimming and junior parkruns with his children, will be running as part of the 100-plus team representing the charity that supports the most vulnerable children across the country suffering abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Barry said: “I have always wanted to run a marathon as a personal challenge. After five-plus years of trying I decided to give Brighton a go, which was amazing… but it wasn’t London. When I saw there was a chance to run on behalf of The Children’s Society I jumped at it. I was overwhelmed with what the charity stood for and had achieved.
“If I was going to ask for donations from friends, family and colleagues, I really wanted it to be for a charity that I believed in, was passionate about and made great use of funds raised. I found the Children’s Society to go beyond my expectation on all three points.”
His desire to run The London Marathon began 10 years ago after a leg break ended his footballing dreams. Since then, Barry has been applying every year for the 26.2-mile run across the capital, without success. In that time, he has gone from running half marathons in Windsor, Wokingham and Reading, to completing the Brighton Marathon in 2019 – his first taste of this distance.
Battling through painful shin splints that forced him to adapt his training programme, and getting through countless ice-packs, Barry has already surpassed his fundraising target of £2,000. But as he says: “Every penny counts and there is not a shortage of children that need the support that The Children’s Society provides.”
Reflecting on how his fundraising and training has gone, he said: “I am forever indebted to my friends, colleagues and family. They have been hugely supportive in terms of listening to me obsessing over training plans, saying kind words to support me through the training, and providing funds to an amazing charity who will make a number of children’s lives better.
“This has also been a great learning for my children who I have shown the great work that the charity does, but also for them to realise that there are less fortunate people in the world.”
The Children’s Society’s community relationships officer, Matthew Limb, said: “We are incredibly thankful for Barry’s outstanding commitment and drive, which significantly supports our work with vulnerable children and young people. Every penny raised by Barry and our marathon runners enables The Children’s Society to provide essential, tailored support to children affected by abuse, exploitation, and neglect – making a real difference now and into the future.”
To donate to Barry’s cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/barry-meacher