Hospice nurse Molly sets her sights on gruelling fund-raising running challenge

Bolton Hospice nurse Molly Nutt has taken on her biggest fund-raising challenge yet – to run the Manchester Half Marathon.

Molly, aged 27, who is studying at the University of Greater Manchester to become a Registered Nurse Associate (RNA), is to raise money for the hospice by tackling the 13-mile course in October.

After joining the hospice team two years ago as a Clinical Support Nurse (CSN) Molly took part in its 100K May challenge the previous two years.

This year, she has decided to test herself even further.

Molly, who lives in Bolton, said: “I love working at the hospice, and I feel so lucky to be able to make a difference to patients and their families, but I always wish I could do more.

“This is about being able to make even more of a difference through any fundraising I can do.”

After she qualifies as a Registered Nurse Associate, Molly aims to become a registered nurse.

The Student Nursing Associate programme, delivered by staff at the University of Greater Manchester’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, involves a day each week studying on campus in Deane Road, Bolton, and three days’ work at Bolton Hospice.

Molly said: “I am learning so much at the University and really enjoying the course.”

She said this year’s fund-raising challenge is particularly difficult as “I’m not a keen runner, and I have already had a few injuries while training”.

She added: “I’m finding the training hard. Running isn’t something which comes naturally to me, but I always remind myself what I’m running for. Actually, I have started to enjoy it more and get that runners’ high everyone raves about!

“My partner’s a runner, and they ran the Manchester Half Marathon last year which inspired me to take it on and we train together.”

Molly previously worked as a carer in the community, before joining the hospice two years ago.

She said she hadn’t initially wanted to be a nurse, but added: “It’s only since starting at the hospice that I wanted to go through the training.

“Now I’d only ever want to be a nurse here. I love my job, and to be able to fundraise to support the care I see here every day, is a real privilege.”

Molly has already raised more than £400 for her running challenge, but would welcome any support. To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/molly-nutt-1737024583650