TWO nurses at St Luke’s are swapping their uniforms for running gear as they prepare to take part in the Manchester Half Marathon to raise money for the hospice.

Amy Underhill and Dawn McManus, from Rudheath, both work nights on the Inpatient Unit at St Luke’s and are hoping to raise enough sponsorship money to fund two-night shifts.

Amy said: “We are running the Manchester half marathon for St Luke's Hospice because we want to give something more to our patients.

“We both have the privilege of working on the Inpatient Unit and see first-hand the impact fundraising has for our patients. We are both incredibly grateful that our supporters’ generosity keeps us working in a job we love.

“Our goal is to raise enough money to fund two-night shifts, and as it costs roughly £31 for an hour of nursing care on the Inpatient Unit our target is set at £700.”

Dawn added: “Training is underway, however reality seems to have set in regarding the distance. We are both positive though and equally supportive of one another. The reason behind the run is to fundraise as much money for St Luke’s as we can and that alone provides us with the drive to keep us focused.”

Wendy Wilson, Director of Care at St Luke’s, said: “We are incredibly proud of Amy and Dawn and the challenge they are taking on for our Hospice. I’m so impressed that they are fitting in their training around their families and the incredible care they provide on nights here in our Inpatient Unit. We are all supporting them and wish them the best of luck.”

The Wiggle Manchester Half Marathon takes place on Sunday October 13. If you would like to sponsor Amy and Dawn in their challenge please visit their Just Giving page justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-and-dawn