A NORTHWICH MP is in training to take on the London Marathon for a mid Cheshire charity.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans will run the gruelling 26.2-mile Virgin Money London Marathon on April 13 to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

Mr Evans said: “I’m delighted to be running the London Marathon for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.

“Its work in the community is invaluable, but needs supporting wherever possible so I would encourage anyone who has a bit of loose change in their pockets to donate to the charity.

“I’m certainly looking forward to the event, and hope to beat my personal best time.

“Last year I completed the run in four hours 49 minutes, just three minutes slower than in 2012 so I am keen to beat my record this year, especially as this is the first marathon I will be tackling in my fifties.”

Claire Langston, director of income generation at St Luke’s, said: “We’re incredibly grateful that Mr Evans has chosen to support St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice as more than £7,500 a day is needed for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice to open its doors and the majority of that money is found through donations.

“We know how gruelling a marathon can be, and the team at St Luke’s will certainly be cheering him on.”

To sponsor Mr Evans visit justgiving.com/Graham-Evans-MP5.