A hospital worker is set to take on this year's Great North Run in memory of two special patients, raising funds to help those with life limiting illnesses.

Helen Taylor, of Denton Holme, Carlisle, will run the famous half marathon in aid of the Eden Valley Hospice.

The money she raises will help fund the care, support and activities provided at the adult hospice and its Jigsaw children’s hospice.

The 45-year-old, who is competing in the Great North Run for the fourth time, explained why she has chosen the charity this year.

“I’ve chosen to support the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw as I feel it’s a really vital part of our community and I’m aware of the costs required to keep it going every day," she said.

"I work in the radiotherapy department at the Cumberland Infirmary, and quite a few of my patients receive care at the hospice at some point in their cancer journey. It’s definitely a cause close to my heart."

“My motivation this year was to run in memory of two particular patients I treated last year, both of whom spent time in the Eden Valley Hospice. They both had completed marathons, and running was something I chatted to them about, so this year my run is dedicated to Jim and Graham.”

Helen will be joined on the start line by a team of runners who have chosen to support the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.

She added: “The Great North Run has become an annual event in my house, my husband always runs it too, and this year will be my fourth. It’s a fantastic event, which can be quite emotional with so many people all gathered to do their bit for different causes."

Thousands of runners will take part in the annual 13.1 mile run, from Newcastle to South Shields, on September 10.

Helen added: “I’m especially looking forward to the buzz of excitement and seeing the amazing crowds lining the whole course.

“I’m not looking forward to the long queue for the toilets -and know from the halfway point I will be wondering why I ever thought the race was a good idea.”

It costs the hospice £3.7m a year to provide care, support and activities to local people with life limiting illnesses. Of this, £2.7m must be raised by the local community.

Anyone wanting to support Helen and the hospice can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-taylor110 .