A NURSE at St Luke’s Hospice is taking part in her first ever Christmas 10k run at Tatton Park to raise money for the hospice.

Mum-of-three Nicky Thompson, from Winsford, who has been working on the Inpatient Unit for almost three years, said: “I go to the gym and lift weights but I am not a runner.

"My husband Geoff had a bright idea to raise money for St Luke’s as we know it’s mostly charitable donations that fund care so he suggested we do a 10k run.

“We wanted to raise money for St Luke’s as it’s a wonderful charity. I think of my fellow nurses as a little, supportive family. It is by far the best nursing job I’ve had and I see myself working here for many years to come.”

The couple will be joining around 1,500 runners at Tatton Yule Yomp on Sunday when many of the competitors will be in fancy dress.

Last year's runners raised more than £20,000 for various charities.

Nicky has been training hard, forgoing her usual body pump classes for the running track.

She said“My husband and I have a goal of completing the run in 90 minutes, so far in training our best time is one hour and 15 minutes which we’re hoping to improve for race day.

Northwich Guardian:

Geoff and hospice nurse Nicky Thompson will be taking part in the Tatton Yule Yomp on Sunday to raise money for St Luke's

"It really will be a challenge as I have only ever run on a treadmill, never outside in the elements, let alone in December!"

Nicky hopes to raise as much money as she can for the hospice as she loves her job.

"I have often heard the phrase 'if you love your work, you will never work a day in your life', and this is truly how I feel about working within our amazing hospice.

"It is a privilege to help our patients and their families."

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St Luke's has been providing palliative care to local people since 1988 and supported more than 1,000 people last year.

The charity relies on donations to meet more than 80 per cent of their costs.

Nicky added: “I’m looking forward to the Tatton Yule Yomp but I am apprehensive. Geoff and I really appreciate everyone that has supported us, and in turn the Hospice with their generous donations. We really want to smash our target and raise lots of money for this fantastic place.”

To support Nicky visit justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-thompson73