A SPA fitness fanatic is tackling three marathons across the globe to raise cash for a cause close to her heart.

Anne Hardisty, of Chamberlain Court, will run the Dublin, London and New York marathons in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

The challenge is her way of saying thank you to the hospice for the care of her sister-in-law Julie Hardisty, who also lives in Droitwich. She has been receiving care and support from St Richard's since she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at the start of the year.

Julie, aged 44, said: "I think Anne is very brave and I am really pleased she is putting something back into the hospice on my behalf. She's see an improvement with me coming to the hospice and how much I get out of it."

Anne is a former fitness instructor at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and now works as a control assistant for Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service. She has already has ten marathons under her belt.

She will run the Dublin marathon next month followed by the London leg in April, finishing with the New York event in November. She would like to thank Wychavon District Council's leisure services for supplying her training kit.

Anne and Julie are appealing to kind-hearted townsfolk to dig deep and sponsor the challenge, which will cover almost 90 miles.

For further details call the hospice on 01905 763963.