Frimley Green dad to run in support of vulnerable children at the 2024 London Marathon

Father of two, Barry Meacher, from Frimley Green in Surrey, is fulfilling his dream and preparing to run the London Marathon on Sunday April 21. After years of applying to run at the iconic event he is finally able to “scratch that itch” and is preparing to take on the challenge in aid of The Children’s Society .

Barry, an active, sporty dad who spends his time in skateparks, on climbing walls (not him as he doesn’t like heights), swimming and junior park runs with his two young children, will be running as part of the 100+ strong team representing The Children’s Society — a charity that supports the most vulnerable children across the country suffering abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Barry said: “I have always wanted to run a marathon in my life as a personal challenge. After 5+ 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 the chance. 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 a 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.

This desire to run The London Marathon began ten years ago after a leg break ended Barry’s footballing days. Since then, he has been applying every year for the 26.2 mile run across London, without success.

In that time, he has gone from 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 program, and getting through countless ice—packs, Barry has raised an incredible £1,958 of his target of £2000.But as he says himself: “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, Barry 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.”

As well as the benefit of fulfilling his dream, Barry has seen the impact that his training and lifestyle change has had on his family: “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 says: “We are incredibly thankful for Barry's outstanding commitment and drive, which significantly supports our work with vulnerable children and young people. Every
single 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."

Barry’s online sponsorship page can be viewed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barry-meacher

Location: Frimley Green, Surrey