A WOMAN whose sister-in-law has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour is set to run not one, but three marathons across the world for charity.

Anne Hardisty, aged 45, of Droitwich, hopes to tackle the mammoth challenge to say "thank you" to St Richard's hospice for the care it has been giving her sister-in-law Julie, since her earth-shattering diagnosis.

Anne, who will first run a marathon in Dublin next month, then the London Marathon in April, followed by another in New York, in November 2005, is no stranger to exercise.

She is a former fitness instructor at Droitwich Spa leisure centre and is a seasoned runner, with 10 previous marathons already under her belt.

She is currently building up her training programme and is determined to succeed, despite being hampered by a recent back problem.

"I wanted to use my marathon running to raise money for a good cause," said the control room assistant for Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

"I've seen how much better it makes Julie feel coming to the hospice and wanted to give something back on her behalf."

Mum-of-two Julie, aged 44, said: "I think Anne's very brave and I am really pleased she is putting something back into the hospice on my behalf.

"She's seen an improvement with me coming to the hospice and how much I get out of it.

"Being told I had a brain tumour was a total shock.

"I was having a problem typing and thought I had a trapped nerve.

"I have been told the tumour is inoperable but, with the help of my family and the hospice, I'm learning to live with what has happened.

"My life has totally changed but I come to the hospice young people's group and have support from specialist staff and other people who are around my age or younger - it's good to know we are not going through this on our own.

"Everyone encourages you to get on and get the most out of what you can do."

Based in Rose Hill, near Worcester city centre, St Richard's provides care and support for people with life-threatening illnesses.

The charity is currently campaigning to raise £5.25m to build a new hospice in the city, which will house all its current services, along with 15 specialist beds - the first of their kind in South Worcestershire.

If you would like to sponsor Anne, contact the charity's fund-raising department on 01905 763963.