AN MP is preparing to run the London Marathon to help improve the lives of young people negatively affected by the pandemic.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale will run the London Marathon on Sunday, October 3 to raise funds for South Lakes outdoor education charity, Brathay Trust.

Mr Farron’s fundraising efforts will support an inclusive youth project-led by Brathay Trust- aiming to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of local young people aged 11-18.

Already a keen runner, the 51-year-old has completed several running events- including the gruelling Langdale Half Marathon- to raise cash for local charities.

However, this will be his first event at marathon distance, and he is excited to step up to the challenge.

“Many of our local young people have been hit hard by the pandemic, either through isolation, unemployment, or a lack of direction and purpose, resulting in poverty, loneliness and poor mental health," he said.

“It is vital we offer the support they need and as a proactive youth charity already working out in our local community, Brathay is well placed to lead a Kendal-based project that will provide the chance for the town’s most vulnerable young people to get the help they need to boost their wellbeing.

“This will be my first ever London Marathon and I am so excited to be doing it for Brathay who have been incredibly supportive.

“It will be really special to take part in the year that the event is returning.”

The MP will be joined by six other runners who will also run for Brathay Trust.

The charity, based in Ambleside, touches the lives of over 7000 young people throughout the North of England every year, through a unique combination of community programmes and outdoor residential experiences in the Lake District.

Those wishing to support Mr Farron’s fundraising efforts can donate to his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/timfarronlondonmarathon