Nurses On The Run
Entries are open for the Great Manchester Run at greatrun.org/manchester
Handling pressure is all in a day's work for nurses in the accident and emergency unit at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
But finding the time to train for the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 22, is proving more of a challenge.
The team of seven are raising money for The Christie, the world-famous specialist cancer care centre in Withington, Manchester.
Different shift patterns have meant getting into shape for the 10k run which attracts up to 40,000 runners has been very much an individual effort.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner Jared Tobin-Bennett, from Feniscoles, Blackburn, said: "A lot of us don't even work together because of our working hours so we've been using Facebook to communicate and find out what training we've been doing.
"I only started running seriously in January and am really looking forward to the Great Manchester Run. Everyone says it's a great occasion with a superb atmosphere."
Junior Sister Amy Scott, from Clayton-le-Moors, gave birth to Edward seven months ago so is relying on the Run to get back in trim.
She said: "I'm determined to get rid of my baby weight and we're all raising money for such a good cause as The Christie.
"Most people are affected by cancer at some stage in their lives, whether it is themselves, friends or relatives. Working in a hospital means we see a larger proportion of people with cancer."
Advanced Nurse Practioner Julie Charnock, from Fence, Burnley, has not taken part in the Great Manchester Run before.
Julie is so dedicated she sets her alarm for 5.20 am to embark on a four and a half mile training run to meet husband Graham as he finishes the night shift at his job in Padiham before the couple drive home.
"It's not easy getting up so early for a run and then to do a day's work. It'd be impossible to get us all out together on a run so we have to fit in training when we can."
Senior Sister Chantal Ormerod, from Trawden, near Colne, combines training while caring for her 22-year-old son Levi who is hoping to undergo a bone marrow transplant soon.
Chantal said: "Levi has severe aplastic anaemia so I'm keen to raise awareness of the condition and support The Christie. It's good that we're running as a team and I'm sure it'll be a terrific occasion."
Staff nurse Chow Wong, from Bromley Cross in Bolton, only began running a couple of weeks ago but had already worked out in the gym. She said: "It'll be my first time in the Run but I've already completed 5k in just over half an hour so should be okay."
Senior Charge Nurse Jamie Swales and husband Tim Swales complete the Royal Blackburn team.
They are among 1,800 runners raising money for The Christie in its most successful sporting fundraising event of the year. To join the team go to christies.org/gmr
To enter the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 22, go to greatrun.org/manchester
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