Mimi Middler’s Miles for Smiles

Mimi Middler recently completed her first-ever marathon in her home city – the iconic TCS London Marathon – for Smile Train’s Team EMPOWER. This is her inspiring story.

I’d only ever run a half marathon before, so the idea of doing a full marathon felt a bit mad at first. But when I saw that Smile Train was looking for runners, something just clicked. I thought, “I could maybe do it – and how amazing would it be if I could raise money for cleft-affected children while I do?”

I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate on my right side. My first operation was when I was just 12 weeks old, and my last one when I was 16 years old. I didn’t really think too much of it as a kid – my parents never made it into a big deal. But going into secondary school, I started to notice that I looked different. And others noticed, too.

That awareness, and a fair bit of teasing, shaped me in unexpected ways. I worked hard – I wanted to prove that I was so much more than how I looked. I started volunteering, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and helping others. It’s funny now, because I’ve realised that all those things are just who I am anyway, with or without the bullies. I’ve built a career I love, I get to work with incredible people every day, and I genuinely enjoy giving back. So maybe, weirdly, I owe them a bit of thanks!

Running the London Marathon for Smile Train meant a lot. Living in the UK, I’ve been lucky to have the NHS throughout my cleft journey. But not everyone has that. Smile Train helps children around the world get access to life-changing comprehensive cleft care. Knowing that every mile I ran could help someone like me – but without the same resources – was the biggest motivator.

I wasn’t sure I’d hit my fundraising target, to be honest. But in the final stretch, people were so generous – I smashed it. Everyone really got behind the cause, and I’m so grateful for that.

Marathon day itself? It was incredible. The energy, the crowds, the other runners – it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Hundreds of people shouting your name, cheering you on – it was surreal. I was lucky to run the whole way with my sister-in-law. She kept me going through the toughest parts and crossing the finish line together was overwhelming. I felt a huge rush of pride – I’d done it. My body had done it. And all for a cause I deeply care about.

If I could say anything to someone thinking of joining Team EMPOWER? Do it. Sign up, have fun, and know you’ll be helping change lives.

And to my younger self? You’re going to be just fine. You’ll be surrounded by people who love you. So, stop worrying about what others think and concentrate on what makes you happy.