COLLEAGUES of a fitness centre receptionist who died earlier this year are strapping on their running shoes to give something back to the hospice where she spent her final days.

The 30-strong team from Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Droitwich Road are taking part in the St Richard’s Hospice Rainbow Run on Sunday, March 15 in memory of Nicki Lloyd-Court.

Mrs Lloyd-Court worked as a receptionist at the health centre for 17 years but was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2013 and was cared for at the hospice in Wildwood Drive before her death in January aged 56.

Colleague Lisa Payne said by the end of last year it became clear Mrs Lloyd-Court was not going to recover from her disease, but described the care she was given at the hospice in her final days as “amazing”.

“Nicki is missed by everyone, staff and members at Nuffield,” she said.

“She was a larger than life character.

“She was our friend and we loved her very much.”

She added her and her colleagues had decided to take part in the fully-booked fundraising run at Top Barn Activity Centre to give something back to the hospice.

“When we saw the Rainbow Run advertised we decided that it was the perfect thing to do in Nicki’s memory,” she said.

“We all wanted to thank the hospice for all their care and support at such a difficult time.”

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for more than 2,500 patients and their families every year.

For more information call 01905 763 963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk.