Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, is bracing himself for a 26.2 mile challenge when he tackles the Virgin London Marathon this weekend.
Mr Lopresti, who admits he is “not really built for running”, has been undergoing a gruelling training schedule since Christmas to gear up for Sunday’s race.
The MP will be joining over 35,000 other runners at the world’s biggest marathon to raise money for Action for Children, which works with the most disadvantaged youngsters.
Mr Lopresti, who is setting his target inside five hours, said:
“I want to get round, and I want to enjoy it. That’s the main thing.”
The Conservative MP will be toeing the line alongside Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and six other parliamentarians.
Mr Lopresti has been a regular competitor in the Bradley Stoke 10k and the Bristol Half Marathon, but this will be the first time he steps up to the full marathon distance.
His training routine has involved running at 6am and over distances of up to 20 miles.
The MP added:
“The Marathon is something I’ve always wanted to do. I watched it on the telly and loved it. I had an accident a couple of years ago when I wanted to run, and an operation last year, so it’s been a long time coming.”
“Of course I am nervous, but I am also excited. Nerves are a good thing.”
To sponsor Mr Lopresti, Visit: www.justgiving.com/Jack-LoprestiMP
Photo: Jack Lopresti MP (left) with five of his Parliamentary co-entrants.
Also taking part in Sunday’s race will be Kate Stuart, 43, from Bradley Stoke, who was inspired to run and raise vital funds for HEART UK, the Cholesterol Charity, following the recent death of her father.
This is the first time Kate has run the London Marathon and she explained why raising funds for HEART UK was so important to her.
Kate said:
“My dad, John Baker, passed away suddenly from heart disease – there was no warning, he just simply collapsed and died. He was a wonderful man. His death made me realise that you can’t take anything for granted.”
“I have thought about running the London Marathon for a while and am determined to achieve my goal. I want to raise funds for HEART UK to help others who are in the same position.”
To sponsor Kate, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KateStuart
Mr Lopresti seems to have forgotten his Filton constituency completely.
The threat to close Filton airifield, closure of elderly peoples home Newleaze house, Merlin housing rents raised by 10% and bus services stopped isolating people who need them.
We wish Mr Lopresti well with his charity run.
Mr Lopresti completed the course in a time of 4:22:30
Tracking data and result for Jack Lopresti MP
Kate Stuart completed in a similar time of 4:22:15
Tracking data and result for Kate Stuart
Congratulations Jack and Kate. Great times!
Dear Filton Independent Party,
http://tinyurl.com/89wcf6k
@Gandalf
Lol. If only it were that simple!
I’ve written to Sean Bean for his considered advice.