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31st Aug 2021

Matt Hancock is doing the London Marathon – but not everyone is donating for the right reasons

Steve Hopkins

“I’m literally donating to be able to say you’re a c***”

Matt Hancock has announced he’s running the 2021 London Marathon to raise money for charity – but not everyone is supporting the former health secretary for the right reasons.

Hancock, who resigned in June after pictures emerged of the married father-of-three embracing his colleague Gina Coladangelo, has started a JustGiving page to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

He also posted about his upcoming 42km (26.2m) challenge on Twitter.

Some three hours after his social media post, 44 people had donated a total of £816 pounds.

One donor, Nicholas Hair, gave Hancock £2, but in his comment, he didn’t so much offer the Conservative MP any support.

“I’m literally donating to be able to say you’re a cock. And because the money is going to charity, not your dodgy Tory pals,” he wrote.

Most of the other donors wished Hancock well.

Writing on the JustGiving page, Hancock called St Nicholas Hospice Care a “fantastic charity working in my constituency of West Suffolk, who look to give help, support and advice to those who are living with long-term and life-threatening illnesses”.

He went on to explain that the hospice sees around 2000 people each year and any money donated will “make a real difference to people’s lives”.

Hancock said the London Marathon was his first, but he was “really excited” to be taking part and was well underway with his training.

“I have already started my training and hope to keep you all updated with my progress.”

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