ST MICHAEL'S Hospice staff, Lyn Gummer and Helen Legg dug out their running shoes in celebration of a fellow colleague.

Lyn and Helen were thrilled to see nurse, Debbie Smithers, return to work after a ten-month battle with breast cancer.

Family and friends also showed their support by cheering them on with a placard announcing:

"Welcome back to work Debbie Smithers."

Debbie, who is also a teacher practitioner at the hospice where she has worked since 1989, believes her experiences have given her a valuable insight into the disease.

"When you have actually been given a diagnosis of cancer it is a shock and you go on a 'roller coaster ride'.

"It is in the back of your mind all the time - you can't change the situation.

"Hopefully I have learnt from it and pass it on to my colleagues, it is a hard lesson but it has been a valuable one."

Lyn, who presented Debbie with her medal when her race was run, said: "Debbie has nursed my mum and my brother so we are very close. She is an inspiration."

Debbie has promised to take part in next year's race and return her medal to its rightful owner!