Liz McInnes flips pancakes for charity

Liz McInnes flipping pancakes for charity in this year's Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race at the Houses of Parliament

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Liz McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton, has been flipping pancakes for charity today (Tuesday 9 February), taking part in this year's Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race at the Houses of Parliament.

The annual race, sponsored by Hudgell Solicitors, sees MPs take on teams from the House of Lords and the media on Shrove Tuesday in Westminster. The race is in support of the Rehab charity and its work with disabled people across the country.

Over in less than the time it takes to boil an egg, MPs have not won the race since 2013, with the media having been victorious in 2015 and the Lords in 2014. MPs finally broke their duck this year, with Liz and her colleagues 'battering' the opposition.

Ms McInnes said: "As an MP, of course we do serious work, but it's also important that we don't take ourselves too seriously.

"This race is about raising awareness of the work of the disability charity Rehab, which enables disabled people and others who are marginalised to realise their dreams and to live independent and fulfilling lives. If that means falling flat as a pancake for the entertainment of onlookers and in front of the world's media, then it's a challenge worth doing.

"This year, as well as raising awareness of Rehab’s work, it was nice to have the bonus of being on the winning side.’

Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News presenter and official starter for the 2016 Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race, said: "While the European referendum battle looms large on the horizon, there is only one contest that is on the minds of the movers and shakers in Westminster and that is the intensely-fought Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race.

"As official starter, my job is to ensure fair play for the good eggs and to call time on any flipping tossers!

"Of course, it's all for a brilliant cause in supporting Rehab and its work with disabled people.

"It’s always a big draw for tourists, who flock to the event to 'egg' on the participants, and is covered by the media from all corners of the earth - from Australia and the USA, to Vietnam and Saudi Arabia."