Sue Ryder Care nurses Susan Shackleton, Maggie Horne, Sandra Rowe and Paul Beland have just 10 weeks to go before they take to the streets of Peterborough on October 12 and join thousands of others in this year's Great Eastern Run.

The nurses are now well into their training, but the thought of raising much needed funds for the hospice is spurring them on to cross the finishing line and reach their £2,450 goal.

Susan (31), from Bourne, said: "Paul and Maggie have been running the Great Eastern for a few years, and I have relatives who have done it, so I though I should have a go at it.

"It is a personal achievement for all of us, but we thought we should raise money for our workplace along the way.

"Knowing that we are also doing it for the patients we work with and care for day in, day out will give it a personal touch. We know how important it is that Thorpe Hall receives funding to keep it open, and now we are able to do our bit to help.

"I started running in January, and have only ever done the Race for Life, but training is going well and we are all looking forward to the day."

The half-marathon and fun run were revived by Peterborough City Council in 2006 after a 10-year break, and last year's event attracted a 20 per cent increase in entrants, with the number of fun-runners almost doubling.

Sandra (50), from Gunthorpe, who will be taking on the 5km fun run, said: "I am hoping we can raise lots of money to help our patients and help us to continue providing such great care. I have even roped my husband in to help."

Paul (50), from Bourne, added: "Working day in, day out with our patients and their families has inspired me to try and do my bit to help raise some funds for the hospice."

The nurses are now asking city folk to join them and sign up to the half marathon, or for those who are a little less daring, the fun run.

You will get a running vest, training tips, a well earned massage and a glass of bubbly after crossing through the finishing line if you raise money for Sue Ryder Care.

If you would like to join the nurses and help people living with conditions such as cancer get the best from life, call Julie in the fund-raising team at Sue Ryder Care, on 01733 330060, or e-mail thorpe.fundraising@suerydercare.org.

However, if you are not feeling quite as energetic as Susan, Maggie, Sandra and Paul but would like to support them and Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit www.justgiving.com/thorpehallnurses or call the Sue Ryder Care fundraising team for a sponsor form.