THE fastest MP in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon has helped fast-track two local charities to funding success.

Vale MP Alun Cairns, after collecting his marathon medal in April this year, recently met with representatives from Barry-based Ty Hapus and Marie Curie to present them with the total money raised from his 26.2 mile effort.

Alun raised £7,533 for Alzheimer’s respite care provided by Ty Hapus and for the local cancer support offered by Marie Curie.

Mr Cairns finished the mass-participation event, billed as the best single day charity fundraising event in the world, in three hours and 34 minutes.

Alun said: “I was absolutely delighted to have been able to present Ty Hapus and Marie Curie with the money I had raised from running the marathon and so grateful to the community for their donations in supporting such worthy causes.

“Both charities are close to my heart and I have experience in how each disease affects loved ones. Each cause makes a real difference to both sufferers and their families.

"After four years of participating, this is the most amount of money I have ever raised. I would like to thank everyone who made a donation. Without their help I would never have been able to achieve such a fantastic figure.”

“The two charities represent illnesses which are sure to touch everyone at some point in their lives, even if it is though relatives or friends and I feel that the generosity of the donations reflect this.

“I would like to congratulate all those involved in the charities for their dedication to the local branches and wish them all the best for the future.”