Our CRH neonatal sister Alison Massey rocked-and rolled herself through a recent half-marathon in Liverpool - just two years after taking up running.

Thanks to the running she has shed 2.5 stones as can be seen in this before and after photo.

Alison, who has worked on the neonatal unit at CRH for 30 years and lives in Huddersfield, ran with her friend Kath Cotton who works at a local GP in Huddersfield. 

She said: "I wanted to lose some weight but was struggling to get to the gym with my shifts. So I decided to join up to the NHS Couch to 5k programme which I followed for the 8 weeks. After that I started Park Runs at Greenhead Park with Kath, and I'm now a member of a running club.

"It was a lovely sunny day last September and we must have been enjoying our run. Kath suggested we do it and I said yes. So we signed up to the Liverpool Rock & Roll Half Marathon. They call it that because at every mile along the route a rock and roll band plays for the runners.

"There are no words to describe the feeling when you cross the line. I can only describe it's like receiving lots of money - you couldn't bottle that feeling! I was pleased, proud and emotional - and when we saw our family and friends (a dozen joined us) I just burst into tears!"

When asked if she'd consider another run Alison said" Well...it's like childbirth. The pain is still raw at the moment but no doubt in time I'll forget that and have a re-think".

Alison raised £1000 for Sarcoma UK*. Her husband Paul was diagnosed with the illness. "He had a successful operation and is still being followed-up but I just wanted to give something back to Sarcoma UK who have been brilliant".

* Sarcoma is a bone and soft tissue cancer.