SISTERS ARE FIGHTING FIT TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS 07:30 - 11 September 2008

A DERBY nurse running a half-marathon this weekend has been put through her paces by a sports science team.

Treetops Hospice volunteer Simone Goller was tested for fitness along with her sister Suzanne Tracey at Loughborough University.

The pair are among a dozen runners taking part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon, in Nottingham on Sunday, for the hospice in Risley.

The two-hour test involved running for three-minute stages at eight different treadmill speeds as oxygen uptake and heart rate were measured.

Miss Goller, an occupation health nurse at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, said: "It was a valuable experience to take part in the fitness testing.

 "My sister Suzanne volunteers for Treetops Hospice and we are looking forward to raising cash for its appeal."

Hospice spokeswoman Kate Shaw said: "It was a great opportunity as they are busy raising sponsorship for our Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal."

The £2m appeal aims to build a new centre at the hospice.

For more details call Ms Shaw or Lily Peperell on 0115 939 4551 or 07904 618350 or e-mail kshaw@treetopshospice.org.uk or lpeperell@treetopshospice.org.uk. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/treetopshospice.