AN intrepid nurse at St Luke's braved muddy fields and cold wind to help patients at the hospice.
Mum-of-three Nicky Thompson, from Winsford, completed the Tatton Yule Yomp on Sunday, her first ever Christmas 10k run at Tatton Park.
"It was very hard, muddy and cold," said Nicky, 40, who conquered the challenging course with her husband Geoff. "It had rained so much, the ground was really muddy and quite treacherous. People were slipping and sliding.
"It was completely different from the way we trained on the roads and treadmills because of the mud and the wind.
"I found it very harsh but was relieved and proud of myself when it was over."
Nicky was thrilled to finish in 1hr and 22 minutes, inside their goal of 90 minutes and was absolutely delighted when she counted their donations.
"Our final total is £1, 205 which is absolutely amazing when our target was only £100," she said. "I can't thank everyone enough for their generosity."
Nicky and Geoff Thompson delighted to raise £1,205 for St Luke's Hospice after completing the 10k Tatton Yule Yomp
Nicky had been training hard, forgoing her usual body pump classes for the running track.
This is the first time she has taken part in a charity run.
"I had only ever run on a treadmill, never outside in the elements, let alone in December," said Nicky, who has been working on the Inpatient Unit for almost three years.
"I go to the gym and lift weights but I am not a runner. It was a challenge but I'm so glad we did it. I'm going back to my body pump now, that's my forte!"
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Nicky was determined to push herself to raise as much money as possible for the hospice as she loves her job.
Nicky and Geoff Thompson beat their goal and completed the Tatton Yule Yomp in 1 hour and 22 minutes
"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," she said. "I think of my fellow nurses as a little, supportive family. It is by far the best nursing job I've ever had and I see myself working here for many years to come.
"It is a privilege to help our patients and their families."
St Luke's has been providing palliative care to local people since 1988 and supported more than 1,000 people in the last year.
The charity relies on donations to meet more than 80 per cent of their costs.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-thompson73 to donate.
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