THOUSANDS of pounds fundraised by a North-East MP has been given to a charity supporting people with mental health issues.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman pledged to support Darlington MIND by completing the London Marathon last month.

Yesterday, the MP presented a cheque for £2,198.20 after finishing her first ever 26.2 mile marathon in six hours and 33 minutes.

Ms Chapman said: "Despite picking up an injury just before the big day which thwarted my training schedule somewhat, knowing I was running for Darlington MIND – a truly deserving charity – made me all the more determined to push on to the finish line.

“The actions, big and small, carried out by the charity and its volunteers, have a phenomenal impact.”

Darlington MIND supports more than 700 people with mental health issues who live in and around the Darlington and Durham Dales area, providing a range of support services and projects which help people with mental health issues to live richer and fuller lives.

Darlington MIND’s Gary Emerson, said: “I am really impressed at the dedication, commitment and stamina which Jenny has shown in completing the gruelling London Marathon in aid of Darlington Mind.

“Jenny has been a great advocate of our work, particularly in raising awareness of the needs of children with mental health issues.

"This is a great effort and many thanks to her and her team for raising such a fantastic amount of money which will go to support our work in raising awareness of the issues around children who self-harm in Darlington.”