Nurse Kelly takes on the London Marathon in her nursing outfit

Our nurses always go above and beyond for our patients, but one is literally going the extra mile for St Ann’s by taking on the Virgin London Marathon wearing her uniform.

Kelly Foster, from Romiley, works as a Ward Sister in Head Green, and has been inspired to take on the challenge by the patients she cares for each day.

She said: “It’s really awe inspiring to see the strength and positivity of the patients that come to St Ann’s.  Until I worked here, I thought I had an understanding of what a hospice was, but even I, as a nurse, was surprised by what an amazing – and often incredibly happy – place it is.

“I see every day the real, tangible difference that the money raised for our charity by supporters makes.  Whether that’s in helping us care for a family as a loved one approaches the end of their life, providing valuable support for people who have recently been diagnosed, or giving rehabilitative treatments to someone who wants nothing more than to go back to their own home, every penny actually does impact real people’s lives.  That’s why I’m doing this.”

Kelly is hoping to raise £4,000 for St Ann’s. We offer care to people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses from our three sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and the Neil Cliffe Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital. We also provide support in local communities with teams of specialist nurses and a variety of outreach services.

Kelly added:  “It’s a really hard challenge, especially as I suffer from a condition called Ehlers Danloss Syndrome which means my joints really hurt when I do physical exercise.   But when the training gets tough, I just think about our patients and that really spurs me on to push that extra mile.

“A few years ago, I was eight stone heavier than I am now.  I decided that as a nurse I didn’t want to be giving health advice to people when I wasn’t healthy myself, so set about doing something positive in response.

“I haven’t looked back since, and I’m hoping this latest challenge will help push me even further out of my comfort zone.  It certainly will in some ways – nursing uniforms are fit for purpose on the wards, but not so much for running!”

To help reach her target, Kelly – who has previously raised more than £7,000 for multiple sclerosis charities – also organised a charity ball, which was kindly supported by comedian Justin Moorhouse.  She auctioned a range of generously donated items, including signed football memorabilia and personal items donated by multiple Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European swimming medallist Rebecca Adlington, OBE.

Kelly said: “Everyone has been incredibly generous and I’m overwhelmed by the support of people who have been inspired by my challenge.  I’d ask that anyone who can spare even one pound to visit my page and make a donation.  I can promise you that everyone at the hospice will be so, so grateful, and it will make a difference to the support we can provide for local patients.”

*To sponsor Nurse Kelly, please visit www.justgiving.com/kelly-foster19

To join Kelly as part of #TeamStAnns and take on your own sporting challenge, contact us on 0161 498 3631 or email events@sah.org.uk for details of forthcoming events and activities.