I was delighted to visit Ladbrokes on Drum Street, Gilmerton to place a charity bet on this year’s Grand National.•

After much research I decided to plump for 20/1 shot- Sir Des Champs. Unfortunately just hours after I placed my bet, jockey Ruby Walsh was injured and had to be replaced. Ultimately Sir Des Champs fell at the 15th.•

Had my my bet won all proceeds would have gone to the wonderful Marie Curie charity. Marie Curie run a hospice here in Edinburgh South and provide remarkable care to people who are terminally ill, as well as providing support to their families.•

I speak to many constituents who have first hand experience of the hospice and there is no doubt the work that Marie Curie does helps cancer sufferers and their families. •”Angels” is a word I hear most regularly when people talk of their work. •I’m sorry I wasn’t able to extract some winnings from Ladbrokes but maybe next year.

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