CARMARTHEN East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards has been getting in shape ahead of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London which he will be running next month in aid of Llandovery-based charity ChallengeAid.

The event will be Mr Edwards’ first competitive race since a Carmarthenshire schools cross country race while he was still a pupil at Ysgol Maes yr Yrfa.

Challenge Aid was established in 2005 by Llandovery resident and Llandovery College rugby coach Iestyn Thomas to help disadvantaged children in the developing world.

The charity has worked with over a thousand schools and 250,000 pupils - raising more than £250,000.

The charity funds Schools of Hope which operate after school hours, giving children educational support by providing desks, chairs, lighting and most importantly a good supply of up-to-date text books with responsible supervision in a safe and conducive learning environment.

The fund’s aim is to offer young people the opportunity to escape a lifetime of poverty by improving their prospects and increasing self-esteem through drama, music and sport at weekends.

Member of Parliament Jonathan Edwards said: “If the truth be told, I can’t think of anything worse than running a half-marathon. However, Challenge Aid is a terrific charity which achieves remarkable outcomes in some of the poorest communities in Africa. Every penny we raise will go to a very good cause.

“Training hasn’t gone exactly to plan. I broke a toe playing cricket and I managed to strain my back after running on tight hamstrings. It’s only the remarkable skills of my physio, Leanne, from Capel Hendre that has kept my preparations on track.

“I am not expecting much sympathy, however I would urge people to sponsor me as a token of the enjoyment they will get in knowing that their MP has been suffering pain all summer in my efforts to get fit.”

Iestyn said: “MPs tend to have an awful lot to say about an awful lot of issues. Not many, however, put their words into action. In this case, our local MP Jonathan Edwards is swapping his suit for shorts in a powerful gesture of his support for our charity.

“Jonathan has been a great friend of ChallengeAid. We’re extremely grateful that he will be raising money for the important work we undertake in giving some of the world’s most deprived children the best start in life.”

Those wishing to sponsor Jonathan can visit his constituency office, or donate online at www.justgiving.com/JonathanEdwardsMP