SEVERAL staff from a Carlisle jewellery shop are lacing up to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Three local women from Peter Jackson Jewellers, based in the Lanes Shopping Centre, will race round the streets of Carlisle to help the care, support and activities provided at Eden Valley Hospice.

Karen Baxter, Sian Gibson and Louise Taylor will each take part in this year’s 13.1-mile Great Cumbrian Run on Sunday, October 6, all in memory of loved ones, while helping to raise money for the local charity.

Karen said: “We have chosen to support Eden Valley Hospice as we have all had family members stay in the hospice.

“My dad stayed in the hospice for eight weeks before passing away with cancer.

“Sian and myself took part in the 2017 Cumbrian Run to get fitter, not realising how unfit we really were. But after lots of training, sweat and tears of laughter, we managed to cross the finish line in two and a half hours.

“Whilst training we said we would never do it again. But two minutes after finishing and recovering with a small bottle of prosecco each and chocolate, we agreed we would do it again one year and 2019 is that year.

“We also roped Louise, who we work with, into the challenge this year and our training is going well.”

Karen continued: “We are most looking forward to the fun, laughter and antics we can get up to along the route.

“On our last Cumbrian Run we even managed to get a train driver in Wetheral to wave to use and sound his horn in appreciation for all the hard work.

“We are also looking forward to the Jelly Babies at the water station in Wetheral.

“Raising as much money as possible is important to us even a small amount can make all the difference.”

The money raised for Eden Valley Hospice will help to provide care, support and activities to local people with life limiting illnesses. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/crazy-cumbrian-runners.

Those wishing to take part in a fundraising event in aid of Eden Valley Hospice, visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org or call the Fundraising Team on 01228 817656.