Vale MP Alun Cairns has announced that he is to run the London Marathon for the sixth time this April and is appealing to the public to sponsor his effort on behalf of two charities.
Mr Cairns finished as the fastest MP last year, seeing off a strong challenge from former paratrooper Dan Jarvis MP, and raised over £7,500 for Breast Cancer Now and The Brain Tumour Charity. This year he is running for Heads Together, a mental health charity, and the Vale branch of Age Connects which includes the Senior Health Shop and Friends and Neighbours Group.
The Vale MP said, “I am privileged to have the chance to run on behalf of two fantastic charities doing so much good work locally and further afield.
“On a regular basis, I see the positive impact that the Vale’s Age Connects branch has in Barry through the shop on Holton Road and the Friends and Neighbours Group. By providing opportunities to socialise at numerous events, learn new skills and go on day trips, these groups keep older people involved in the community and combat loneliness.
“Heads together is a group of mental health charities aimed at removing the stigma surrounding mental health. I am concerned that mental health cases are increasing locally and nationally and the charities raise awareness and provide vital help for people with mental health challenges.
“I am training hard to retain my title as the fastest MP, and more importantly, hope to raise much needed funds for two great causes.”