GP runs in memory of mum

A DOCTOR from Long Eaton is running the Robin Hood half-marathon in tribute to her late mother – who always wanted to run a long distance race.

GP Susie Northover lost her mother Barbara Daniell to cancer, aged 63, in 2003.

Mrs Daniell always said she would have liked to complete the London Marathon.

Now Susie is planning to run that race and Sunday's half-marathon will be partly in training and partly to raise money for the Treetops Hospice in Risley.

She said: "I used to be a gymnast and trampolinist so this is quite different.

"I have done 5K and 10K runs for cancer research, and decided to support Treetops as it's a local cause."

From next year, the hospice in Derby Road, will become one of the festival's official charities.

This is the last year it will support CLIC Sargent, Headway, the Fire Fighters Charity and the Alzheimer's Society.

Susie, who is mum of six-year-old Daniel and four-year-old Beth, said: "My mum had always said she wanted to do the London Marathon but it was something she never had time to do.

"I decided it was the right time to do something.

"It's actually my 34th birthday on Sunday and when I started it seemed like a good thing to do on my birthday.

"Now it doesn't seem such a good idea! But I'm looking forward to the sense of achievement."

Cancer is also a cause close to her heart because her young nephew was diagnosed with adrenal cancer a year after her mum died.

"He was one when he was diagnosed. He was very ill," said Susie.

Her nephew has since recovered.

Susie will be running the race alongside friends Caroline Henry, 28, a paediatrician, and Anne-Marie Reid, a school nurse.

She said: "It's been very hard arranging times when we can all run together around work and families but we've managed to get some in."

The trio will raise money for the Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal, which is collecting funds for a new care centre.

Building work will start later this year and the centre will mean hundreds more people from Notts and Derbyshire can be helped.

To sponsor Susie and pals, visit www.justgiving.com/chubbytrainers

sarah.firth@nottinghameveningpsot.co.uk