AN MP who has spent the past year getting fit and losing weight has secured a place in this year’s London Marathon.

Colchester’s MP Will Quince has managed to lose seven stone within a year, and running is now a substantial part of his fitness routine.

With his fitness continuing to improve, the 38-year-old felt 2021 was the ideal year to run the London Marathon. It will be the first marathon he has ever attempted.

The last sponsored run Mr Quince took part in was a half marathon back in 2013.

Mr Quince said he is now able to complete half marathons every Saturday in preparation for the 26.2-mile run which is being held in October.

“I have been on a bit of a mission over the past year to get fit, and I have lost seven stone in the process,” he added.

“The vast majority of the reason for losing the weight is through diet, but the rest is through exercise.”

Mr Quince admitted he does not enjoy running very much but he added: “Running is free and you can run as far as you want to, and basically anyone can take it up.

“I have been able to build up my running distance over time from 5km to 10km.

“I now run half marathons every Saturday - but it’s tough going and you have to put up with blisters each week as it’s about two hours of solid running at once.”

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The Conservative MP is running the London Marathon in aid of the Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Charity (SANDS) - a charity close to his heart.

Mr Quince’s son, Robert, was stillborn in 2014 after being diagnosed with Edwards’ Syndrome at the 20-week scan.

He said: “October is always a difficult month for my wife and me as it is when we lost our son, Robert.

“October also includes Baby Loss Awareness Week so I feel SANDS is the perfect charity to support for this event.

“It is a brilliant charity that works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, improve the care bereaved parents receive and create a world where fewer babies die.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/2Pows2H.