A NURSE at Oxford Children's Hospital will tear along the Dorset coast today to raise money for toys for sick children.

Becky Colliass, 53, has worked at the site within the John Radcliffe Hospital since 2008 and helped look after hundreds of youngsters during their stay.

The Grove resident, who has eight children herself, will take on a gruelling run ascending 4,910ft on the Dorset Coastal Trail Marathon.

All funds raised through sponsorship will go to hospitals charity ORH Charitable Funds to buy books, games and toys that be used as a therapeutic tool for children.

Mrs Colliass said: "Hospital can be quite scary, even for the older children - and parents can often be nervous for them as well.

"We use things like Where's Wally books to distract them when they have their blood taken, or an iPad or bubbles when they go into the theatre.

"It's just to take their mind off where they are. If little children can play in a playroom they are so much happier."

Mrs Colliass has run three marathons in the past and has been training regularly in the run-up to the event.

She will join hundreds following the South Dorset Ridgeway from Lulworth Cove today as part of the event.

To donate to Mrs Colliass's fundraising total visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Becky-Colliass17