The memory of his mother-in-law’s battle against Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has prompted a caring Sutton dad to tackle the London Marathon in aid of a charity that helped her. 

Matthew Halliwell, 45, will take on the 26 miles around the capital in October — his first marathon.

He is aiming to raise at least £2,000 for the MS Society in tribute to Sue Rimmer, a lifelong Carsic resident in Sutton, who sadly died during the first wave of the pandemic, aged 60.

Sue fought MS for around 25 years and remained positive, even when she eventually needed a wheelchair.

“Sue always said she had MS, but MS didn’t have her, and for almost 25 years she lived with and battled against her diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis,” explained Matthew.

“The MS Society is very underfunded, when considered alongside some other charities, but does some great work on medical research, as well as supporting sufferers with day-to-day needs and equipment in the community.

“Sue benefited from the assistance and support of the MS Society more than once in her battle. I aim to raise at least £2,000 to help them carry on with their great work, and achieve their vision of a world free from the effects of MS.”

Matthew said Sue’s death in April last year hit family and friends hard, in particular her daughter, Karen, 39, who Matthew hopes to marry in August, and their two children, Maisie, 10, and eight-year-old Hannah. 

Matthew, manager at Lee Glass and Glazing, Bulwell, who completed his first half-marathon last year, added: “Sue was cheeky and funny, Maisie and Hannah adored her and she adored her grandchildren.

“They especially loved riding on her wheelchair.

“She’d probably think I was mad doing this — my children and Karen already do.

“Taking part in the marathon is a first for me, so any finish time will be a success.”

λTo make a donation to Matthew’s fundraising, go to  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-halliwell2021