Mum-of-two Meslime Grim is running her first marathon in memory of her father-in-law, a dedicated supported of Barnardo’s who died in tragic circumstances.

The 35-year-old NHS psychologist from Bethnal Green takes to the streets on April 23 for the children’s charity to honour the last wishes of John Grim, who died at 66 in Sussex.

“He passed away in a very tragic accident at home,” Meslime revealed. “John didn’t want any flowers at his funeral—he wanted donations instead to Barnardo’s which he had always supported and believed every child deserves the best start in life.”

Meslime and fellow Barnardo’s runners aim to raise around £250,000 to help support vulnerable children, including those just leaving care or have experienced child sexual exploitation.

The Marathon route from Greenwich through east London and the City to The Mall takes Meslime within a mile of her home in Mace Street.

“I do a lot of running, but the most is a half-marathon,” she tells you. “Finding time to go out is a challenge with my two children.”

Meslime, who has just returned to work following maternity leave, has been training in east London where she has lived for 12 years. Her favourite practice runs are along the Regent’s Canal and through Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes.

Husband John is turning out on the day to cheer her on, along with three-year-old Archie and baby Polly who is just a year old.

Meslime can be sponsored for Barnardo’s online.

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