This Friday I had the pleasure of meeting representatives from Breast Cancer Now and the Brain Tumour Charity to hand over the sponsorship money so kindly donated by local people to support my London Marathon effort. I am always struck by the selflessness and decency of those who choose to commit so much time and effort to good causes, and the staff and volunteers I met from both charities were no exception.
I run the marathon once a year to raise money for charity, it is of course difficult and the training can be tough, but it is ultimately an activity that I enjoy. The race pits me against my Westminster colleagues and I am pleased to say that for the last two years I have finished as the fastest MP. I am in awe however, of those who raise money week in week out, rain or shine, through hard work that cannot always be fun or competitive.
I have the privilege of working with various local charities in my role as the Vale MP, and see first-hand the tireless dedication and goodness of people in our communities who do their utmost to help others struggling in a range of circumstances. Unceasing volunteers like Barry’s Susan Borges, who fundraises for Marie Curie, maintaining their hospice care, and for the Brian Tumour Charity, helping them to continue developing treatments. I have spent time with those who volunteer the PDSA helping pets whose owners cannot afford medical treatment and with McMillan coffee morning hosts who do so much to support those suffering with cancer.
The impact of their work is heart-warming to witness. I know many in the constituency who have suffered with severe illnesses, benefiting directly from the work of charities in terms of personal support and indirectly through access to treatments that would be unavailable without charitable research funding. And I will always remember Champ, the friendly golden Labrador who would have faced an early death if it had not been for the medical attention he received from the PDSA while I was visiting their Holton Road branch.
There is an army in our communities, made up of ordinary men and women, who with cheerfulness and steely determination are improving our lives without direction from government. Their constant efforts benefit us all, and although we may sometimes criticise the practices of certain charities, we must never forget to be grateful to those who are committing their energy to a greater good.
None of their fundraising work would be possible without the deep generosity and kindness of the people of this country who do not fail to give profusely to good causes. I have been humbled by this deep well of compassion myself, with over £7,500 given in sponsorship for this year’s marathon bid.
If you know of any charities whose work within the Vale of Glamorgan you would like me to promote, or if you would like to suggest a charity for me to fundraise for as part of my 2017 London Marathon attempt, please contact me on [email protected].
Keep up the good work.