FOR the second time in just over a month, local MP Jack Lopresti MP swapped his shirt and tie for a tracksuit and trainers to take part in a half marathon to raise funds for the Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAAC).

The Filton and Bradley Stoke MP completed the 33rd Stroud Half Marathon on Sunday, October 26 in an impressive time of one hour, 59 minutes and five seconds beating his target time of two hours.

In September, Mr Lopresti also took part in the Bristol Half Marathon, and has so far raised £2,111.25 to help the charity run its new EC-135 helicopter, replacing their old 1972 Bolkow 105 helicopter which was no longer fit for purpose.

Mr Lopresti said: “The support the GWAAC and I have received during these half marathons is amazing. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me. We cannot stop fundraising now though. Like all air ambulances in this country, the GWAAC is a charity and it constantly needs public support.”

The GWAAC provides an air ambulance service for the Bristol, Bath and their surrounding counties. Based in Filton, just north of Bristol, the GWAAC helicopter forms part of the regional 999 emergency response service.

As the GWAA receives no funding from the Government or the National Lottery, it relies entirely on the generosity of the people they serve to continue operating.

GWAAC fundraising manager Emma Carter said: “We’re thrilled at Jack’s fundraising efforts, he is an incredible supporter and we are very grateful for all he has done for us.

“The money he has raised will go towards the running costs of our new modern medicalised helicopter as we will now have to raise an extra half a million a year to keep our service in the skies.”

If you would like to make a donation, please go to http://www.justgiving.com/JackLoprestiMP