Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is preparing to run the Langdale Half Marathon, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in honour of his late cousin.

Familiar with the marathon circuit, Tim has twice completed the London Marathon.

The Langdale Half Marathon on October21 is undeniably demanding, traversing through the Great Langdale and Little Langdale valleys.

Yet, it also promises breath-taking views across the Lakes.

Tim is running in memory of his cousin Andrew Farron, who tragically passed following a heart attack at the age of 51.

Tim will be joined by Andrew's brother, Richard.

“We’re running the beautiful but rather challenging Langdale Half Marathon in memory of Andrew Farron who we lost aged 51 earlier this year following a heart attack,” said Tim, who has been an MP since 2005.

"We wanted to do a joyful thing together to help celebrate the impact that Andrew had on our lives and to raise money for the British Heart Foundation to help them to tackle heart disease.”

The race, starting outside the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale, boasts a reputation for being one of the UK's toughest half marathons.

Participants face gruelling climbs, but their efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Lake District.

Phoebe Williams, BHF Fundraising Manager for Cumbria and Lancashire, said: “We’re really sorry to hear that Tim lost his cousin following a heart attack, but really grateful that he and Richard are taking on this race to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Andrew.

“Tim and his family have experienced what sadly too many people experience in this country every day – someone dies from a heart or circulatory disease every five hours in Cumbria alone.

“This is why it’s so important to fund the life-saving research which will help prevent similar tragedies happening in the future.

“So thank you Tim and Richard and I hope you both enjoy the amazing experience of running through such a beautiful part of the world while raising money for BHF”.

For information about heart disease, including symptoms, and support please visit the BHF website.