Helen raises funds for local causes in first marathon attempt

Helen Morgan MP will swap the green benches for the pavements around Parliament when she takes part in the London Marathon later this month.

Helen will join thousands pounding London’s streets in the run on 26th April and will raise vital funds for two local charities.

Despite being a regular runner and taking part in the Oswestry 10K last October, Helen said the Marathon would be her biggest running challenge yet.

Helen will be running for Hope House and Lingen Davies Cancer Support and has already broken through a fundraising target of £1,000.

Helen said: “This is the big one, my first marathon! Although I run regularly, I have been running much longer distances than I normally would to be ready, which has been tough.

“However, what spurs me on through the miles is the incredible support these two charities provide to families across North Shropshire when they need it most.

“I’m delighted to be raising funds for them and am so grateful to everyone who has donated so far.”

Hope House Children's Hospices provide specialist nursing care and support to children, and their families, who live in Shropshire, Cheshire and across Wales. 

Fundraising team leader at Hope House, Cat Dowdeswell, said: “We are delighted that Helen has chosen to once again support Hope House Children’s Hospices by taking on the London Marathon in April.

“We are grateful for the fundraising Helen has done for Hope House - most recently running the Oswestry 10K. The London Marathon is a huge commitment, not only on the day, but over the weeks and months leading up, and our team will be cheering her to the finish line on the day at Tower Bridge.

“Thanks to Helen’s support and fundraising, we can be here to help local children with life-threatening conditions live their best lives.”

Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said thanks to Helen for stepping up for local charity and helping to raise much needed funds and awareness.

“Lingen Davies is an ambitious organisation, not only are we fundraising for the £5million Sunflower Appeal to develop cancer services at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital, but we are also delivering a wide-range of support services in the wider community.

“Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful fundraisers and supporters like Helen, we can continue to ensure that local people can access excellent cancer care locally, as well as helping to prevent cancer with our comprehensive LiveLife Awareness service.”

Donations to Helen’s fundraising efforts can be made via: www.helenmorgan.org.uk/marathon