VALE MP Alun Cairns has swapped sore feet for fundraising feats completing the Virgin Money London Marathon ahead of his parliamentary friends and foe.

Alun recorded a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes making him the fastest MP in the House of Commons over the 26.2 mile course on Sunday, April 13.

Alun has so far also raised almost £6000 which will be divided between Holton Road-based Ty Hapus, the early-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia day centre in Barry and the local branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Alun Cairns fended off competition from six other MPs to run a personal best time, beating his nearest rival MP, Ed Timpson my more than eight minutes. Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls completed the course in 4 hours 57 minutes.

Alun said: “Although it was great fun and exhausting at the same time, the most important thing for me is to thank everyone for their generous support in aid of Ty Hapus and Marie Curie. The response from constituents has been phenomenal. I feel so humbled that so many people have pledged support - many on an anonymous basis and others in memory of people that passed on. Thank you so much.

“When I finished, I was shattered, but so pleased. I managed to improve on my previous marathon attempts by some five minutes, this time managing to cross the line in 3 hours and 34 minutes. The emotional and inspirational stories of so many supporters and runners and the fantastic backing from the crowds carried me through the last few miles.

“Ty Hapus is a unique and specialist day time service for people with early onset Alzheimers and other dementias and Marie Curie Cancer Care is dedicated to the care of people with terminal illness.

“The money I raise by completing the London Marathon will go towards supporting the services offered by both of these charities which are invaluable to residents across Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan.”

“Now you know I’ve completed the marathon it’s still not too late to support the two great Vale charities!”

To sponsor Alun and support Ty Hapus and Marie Curie, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/aluncairnsmp