CHEMOTHERAPY nurse Lesley Sheen doesn't do exercise as a rule.

But she is preparing to throw herself through water, over obstacles and under tunnels to raise money for a new cancer centre for Colchester.

Lesley knows as well as any of the importance of the new centre.

She has been a nurse for 15 years and for the past 14 years has worked as a specialist oncology and haemotology nurse.

She is currently working in the Mary Barron suite at Colchester General Hospital but hopes her gallant - and muddy - efforts will help raise money to create a new cancer centre to bring all treatments and therapies together.

Mum-of-two Lesley, 40, said: "I have never done anything this physical before. I do sometimes try to get fit but it is getting the motivation.

"I think I am going to have to train for this. I am certainly up for the challenge."

Lesley, who lives in Thornton Drive, Colchester, will run the 10k Gauntlet in April.

She said: "I enjoy working in the unit and delivering the treatment. We are able to give one-to-one care to the patients and support their relatives.

"We are always trying to improve the service we give.

"In the unit, we can see the advancement in treatments. There is pressure on capacity in the unit and on us being able to provide services to patients.

"There are times were that has become a real struggle.

"There is a need for a bigger unit especially due to the compexity of oncology.

"The radiotherapy unit is wonderful and if you could have both chemo and radiotherapy in one location it would be a lot more convenient for patients.

"Many patients would agree the Mary Barron suite is not sited in the best place at the hopsital.

"It is difficult for some patients with their conditions to get there.

"It would be so much better to have the units on one site."

Mrs Sheen hopes to raise £500 but any donations would be welcome.

The Cancer Centre Campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, aims to raise £4.5 million for a new centre where all therapies, treatments and support services could be offered together.

To donate to the appeal, text GAZE11 £10 (or an amount of your choice) to 70070.

Cheques, made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign, can be sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, Colchester General Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

Donations can also be made online by going to www.CohoC.org.uk. Please mention Lesley Sheen.