THE best things come in threes according to the popular proverb.

And Derian House Childrens' Hospice is hoping it rings true when three generations of the same family take part in a fund-raising run later this month.

Alice Foster, 62, is taking part in a 10 kilometre sponsored walk through London to raise money for the hospice, along with her daughter Kim Kennedy, 39, and grand-daughter Hayley, 16.

Alice, of Preston Road, Coppull, said she has always considered herself quite fit: "I run a ladies clothes stall in Wigan market and for the last two years, come rain or shine, I have walked the six mile trip to work in the mornings."

In fact it is working in the market that first got her involved in the Derian House walk.

Alice said: "I have a friend who works opposite me and he has been raising money in various ways for years.

"He knew I applied to take part in the London Marathon a few years back but I didn't get in, so he approached me as soon as he heard about this walk."

She in turn approached her daughter and grand-daughter for support and they too jumped in. "Neither are particularly into running, but they are quite excited to be running with me," she said.

"Having said that, I may well be walking most of it!"

Alice said she wanted to help out the charity because years ago the family was devastated when a nephew died at aged four of a brain tumour.

She said: "I think losing a child is horrible and I can't imagine anything worse. That's why I wanted to help Derian House."

The trio of runners are aiming to raise £3,000 for the charity, and have already arranged well over the minimum of £140 each to get around £1,000.

The walk, dubbed 'The Most Prestigious Route in London' because it passes by the Houses of Parliament, Kensington, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, takes place on Sunday, July 22.

READY TO GO: pictured is Kim Kennedy and Alice Foster gearing up for the run.