A SPA runner is set to reach her goal of tackling her third fundraising marathon across the world in a year in aid of St Richard's Hospice thanks to a kindhearted town business.

Anne Hardisty is raising cash as a way of saying thank you to the hospice for its care of her sister-in-law, Julie Hardistry, who also lives in the town.

Julie had been receiving care and support from St Richard's since she was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.

Anne completed the Dublin marathon last October, followed by London in April. But she thought she would have to postpone her plans to run in the New York event this October because of the escalating travel and accommodation costs she was paying out of her own pocket.

But Sue Rickwood, director of Abacus Care, in Friar Street, heard of Anne's plight and offered to foot the bill for her expenses to the American city.

Sue said: "We understand the importance of the work St Richard's Hospice continually carries out in our local community, so when we heard that Anne might have to pull out or postpone the New York marathon we felt we just wanted to help and support this cause."

Anne, a police community support officer, said: "Sue has been so generous. This means I can run the New York marathon and help raise as much cash as possible for St Richard's to ensure it can give our loved ones continuing care when they need it."

She added: "I would like to thank everyone who has kindly supported me over the last year and remind people there is still time to donate to such a worthwhile cause."

Anne's sister-in-law, Julie, said she thought Anne was very brave and really pleased she was putting something back into the hospice on her behalf.

She added: "My life has totally changed, but I come to the hospice's young people's group and get 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."