London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher has called on the capital to support MP Sadiq Khan in his bid to raise money for the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund.
The shadow minister for London admits he is “terrified” about running the 26.3 mile challenge next Sunday. But he has already raised more than £7,000 for the Dispossessed Fund, which tackles inequality in the capital.
Mr Brasher, whose late father Chris co-founded the race, said: “I’m delighted Sadiq and the Fund have come together and that such an event inspires people to raise money. We are without doubt the greatest city in the world but many Londoners don’t get the opportunities they deserve from living here.”
He attended a special reception last night at the flat of Commons Speaker John Bercow. Mr Khan, Labour MP for Tooting, said he had been “emotionally blackmailed” into taking part by Standard campaigns editor David Cohen, who told him about the Fund, which has raised £12.2 million for London charities and groups.
The MP joked: “David is responsible for my training plan so if I fail to finish he is to blame.” He added: “I was born on the wrong side of the tracks and some people I grew up with are in prison. That could have been me. I’m privileged and there is a responsibility to give something back.”
His goal is to finish in under 4hrs 30mins and beat the “man who carries the fridge” — and shadow chancellor Ed Balls.
To support Mr Khan’s run, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SadiqKhan
For more stories about the Dispossessed Fund click here
