THREE Welsh MPs will be taking part in this weekend’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

A record total of 17 MPs are taking on the famous 26.2-mile challenge this year, one more than last year’s record of 16, and include a record-equalling three women MPs, who will all be making their London Marathon debuts.

Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn, will be taking part in the race, together Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, who will be taking part in the challenge for the first time.

Alun Cairns, the Secretary of State for Wales, will again start as the fastest MP on the start line with a personal best of 3:28:02 set in 2016.

Mr Evans will be raising money in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

This will be the third time the MP has taken part. Last year, he raised more than £5,500 in aid of the charity Contact a Family, who support families with disabled children.

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association funds and promotes research into the condition, which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The disease can leave those affected by it with muscle weakness, cramps and spasms, muscle stiffness, pain and other symptoms.

Mr Evans said: ‘I am very pleased to be able to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association this year at the London Marathon.

"As secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Motor Neurone Disease, I have been able to see so much of the crucial work they do for people with the condition.

"They rely on support from generous members of the public and organisations, and I know how much they appreciate every single contribution.’

Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-evans-mp-london-marathon-2018

Nick Smith, who is raising money for the Hospice of the Valleys paid a visit to the charity ahead of the big day to pick up his Team Hospice running vest, which he will be wearing proudly for his first ever marathon.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Smith said after months of training it had been an emotional reminder of what he was running for.

“I’ve slogged through the snow, gone through pair after pair of running shoes and been aching while sitting on the front benches in Parliament, but the hospice deserves all our support”, he said.

“It really hit home talking to people here, people who are coming to terms with their illness but making the most of the time they have with a smile on their face.”

Mr Smith said holding the hospice shirt in his hand was a proud moment.

“The volunteers and staff here are hardworking and make the hospice the success it is,” he continued.

"Getting near the end of the training, it’s a grind. Hours of running at all hours is draining mentally and physically. But this has given me the boost I need to do the job.

“Now I hope I can do them proud”.

Grant Usmar, chief executive of the Hospice of the Valleys, said they are very grateful for the MP’s fundraising.

He added: “We always need more fund raising – we have to raise £1m a year to keep it going.”

To donate to Mr Smith's cause, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NickSmithLondon2018

The Hospice of the Valleys will also be holding a fundraising six mile race on Sunday April 22 at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar.

Mr Cairns, who is back for his seventh London Marathon in 2018, said his training has been disrupted this year by a combination of bad weather and Parliamentary duties.

He added: “I’m more nervous than in the past.

“If I get anything close to four hours this year I’ll be pleased. I’m heavier and slower than normal.

“But the most important thing for all MPs is that the London Marathon provides the best opportunity we have to raise huge amounts of money for worthy causes in our constituencies.”

Mr Cairns is running this year for his local branch of the NSPCC and Vale Women’s Aid.

“Running is also the best way for MPs to improve our health in the midst of a stressful lifestyle,” he added. “Just last week I was in Cabinet in the afternoon discussing Syria and in the evening I ran 10 miles back in my constituency.

“I can tell you there’s no better stress reliever after a tense meeting. I sort all my problems out while I’m running.”