VALE MP and secretary of state for Wales Alun Cairns has put in his last training run ahead of his sixth London Marathon this Sunday, April 23.

Mr Cairns is running the 26.2 mile long course in aid of two charities, Heads Together and the Vale of Glamorgan branch of Age Connects including the Friends and Neighbours group.

The total sum raised will be split equally and presented to the charities by Mr Cairns later in the year.

Mr Cairns ran the Barry Island Parkrun last weekend, completing the 5km course in 21.49 minutes.

He said: “I could not ask for a better way to set myself up for next Sunday than a run with the picturesque view of Barry Island.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support shown to me in the run up to this weekend's marathon - not only by family, constituents and friends, but also those individuals whose lives have been touched by these two fantastic charities.

"When I hear the incredible stories of how both charities have transformed people's lives, it motivates me even more to complete the run.

"It is these inspiring stories that I will be thinking of to get me to the finish line on Sunday.”

To donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlunCairns