A DETERMINED Halesowen hospital boss is taking on a tough marathon challenge to support a hospice which is close to her heart.

West Midlands Hospital’s general manager Gloria Kerrigan will taking on the London Marathon in April to raise cash for St Richard’s Hospice.

Gloria’s daughter Laura was cared for at the Worcestershire hospice before she lost her brave battle with cancer in December 2016.

The 53-year-old is now training hard in the run-up to the high profile event in the capital, which attracts tens of thousands of runners from across the globe.

It will be the first full marathon Gloria has taken part in and she is building up her fitness by working with a personal trainer each week, completing regular park runs and running around her home town of Malvern.

Gloria, who is in her 14th year of working for the Colman Hill-based hospital, said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been training for a while now and I’m determined to complete the marathon and raise lots of money for such a wonderful hospice.

“I’m very grateful for the care and support the hospice provided for my daughter and our friends and family and I wanted to do something to help them as they rely on donations to keep them sustainable.”

The 26.2 mile route will run past the top sights and famous landmarks in central London on Sunday, April 22.

Gloria added: “I thought the London Marathon would be a great event to take part in and hopefully, raise as much money as I can.

“I’m stepping up the training as I get closer to the event and I’m hoping that the support and encouragement I receive will help me over the finishing line.”

To support Gloria’s run and donate to St Richard’s Hospice, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gloria-kerrigan