THE Wee County’s MP laced up to raise cash for a local support group.

Luke Graham presented a cheque to Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire last week, after smashing his fundraising target.

The money was raised through sponsorship for the Alloa Half Marathon, which he ended up running twice.

Originally set to take place in March, the race had to be postponed due to adverse weather, but Luke and his friends went for a leisurely jog in the snow either way.

He then appeared at the start line once again earlier this month for the rescheduled event.

Mr Graham raised £1,137 for the group, chaired under the umbrella of the British Lung Foundation by Linda McLeod who is set to receive a British Empire Medal for her voluntary work.

The sum raised was more than double his target of £500 and the cheque was handed over during Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire's annual meeting in Alloa.

The Ochil and South Perthshire MP said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, who are such a friendly and welcoming group.

“They do such a fantastic job of supporting people living with lung conditions in the county and I am delighted to hear the money raised will go towards a summer outing for the group.

He added: “I would also like to congratulate Linda on her award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. It is a fine reflection of all her hard work on behalf of the group and fully deserved.”

Linda thanked Luke for his efforts and said: “I am pleased to welcome Luke Graham back to Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire.

“The members were absolutely thrilled by the amount raised by Luke - more especially having ran the race twice.

“We hope to use some of the money for a summer outing for the group. The members of Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire can’t thank Luke enough for his continued support.”