Five Tory MPs are running the London Marathon tomorrow (and would appreciate your sponsorship!)

By Matthew Barrett
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It's the London Marathon tomorrow, and five Conservative MPs have decided to take on the great task of completing it for charity. Last year, Edward Timpson and Stephen Crabb ran the Marathon, and this year, Timpson is competing again - with four other MPs who will join more than 35,000 other runners on the 26-mile course through the capital. The runners - and their charity causes - are listed below:

Edward Timpson, PPS to Theresa May and MP for Crewe and Nantwich

He says:

“Running a marathon is both a physical and mental challenge but it is well worth undertaking when you weigh up the benefits you can bring to people through the funds you raise. This year I am running my eighth marathon for Climb (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases) with my wife Julia who is also the charity’s patron. Climb does some truly excellent work in helping those living with metabolic diseases and is the only charity to do so nationally. Marathons are a great way for MPs to help raise the profiles of some great causes and I am glad to see so many of my Conservative colleagues taking part this year.”

You can sponsor Edward and his wife here.

Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke

Lopresti, who is currently serving as an Army Reservist, and has previously run the Camp Bastion Half Marathon, said:

“I’m not really built for running so have undertaken a fairly gruelling training schedule since before Christmas. But it will all be worth it, I’m really looking forward to taking part in my first full marathon with 35,000 other runners and I want to raise as much money as I can for my chosen charity. I’m running for Action for Children, a charity that works with the most disadvantaged youngsters and provides them with the foundations and support to build their lives and prosper. I don’t really have a target but around 5 hours would be fantastic. Of course I am nervous, but I am also excited. Nerves are a good thing.”

Jack's sponsorship page is here.

Alun Cairns, MP for Vale of Glamorgan

Alun tells us:

“Mind and Women’s Aid are two great causes to support.  I’d love to turn in a good time but at this stage, I think I’ll be pleased just to finish. After all my suffering ankles and legs are nothing compared to the users of Mind and Women’s Aid. Being only 5ft 4inches, I hope that all this running won’t reduce the length of my legs any further!”

You can sponsor Alun here.

Graham Evans, MP for Weaver Vale

Graham set himself a personal goal - to beat the Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls:

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve already run this year’s Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon in my constituency and have been trying to find time for training whenever possible. There is no doubt that it’s going to be challenging but it’s to raise money for some really great causes and I’m going to give it my best. I have no chance of beating Matthew Parris’s record time for an MP. I just hope I beat Ed Balls. Lots of constituents and parliamentary colleagues have already been in touch to wish me luck and to offer to sponsor me and I’m really grateful for all the support.”

You can sponsor Graham here.

Chris Kelly, MP for Dudley South

Chris has a personal motivation for his run:

“My grandfather, also Chris Kelly, was a local policeman and died of a heart attack in 1979 at the age of 59 when I was one-year-old so it's an important cause for me. I will be delighted if I come in under four-and-a-half hours. The training is going well - my legs are feeling stronger than ever although my ankles are rather sore – I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Chris can do so here or here.

In addition to these five Conservative MPs, ITV's Yorkshire station reports:

"Two local MPs are running the London Marathon this year. Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor and Labour MP for Morley and Outwood, and Greg Mulholland, the Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West. Mr Balls is running for the charities Whizz-Kidz and Action for Stammering Children. Mr Mulholland is running for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and is currently cycling back from the Paris Marathon as part of the eight day challenge."

Good luck to them all!