SARACENS rugby players were well and truly onside when they paid a visit to Grove House day hospice to meet patients and nursing staff. Players Donald Barrell, Tom Mercey, Justin Melck and Rodd Penney chatted with patients and staff and found out what Gro

SARACENS rugby players were well and truly onside when they paid a visit to Grove House day hospice to meet patients and nursing staff.

Players Donald Barrell, Tom Mercey, Justin Melck and Rodd Penney chatted with patients and staff and found out what Grove House meant to those using its services.

A number of Saracens players live in the district and the team, which is now based in St Albans and trains at Old Albanians, is supporting this year's Herts 10K Challenge which takes place at 10am on Sunday, October 11, at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden.

Rodd Penney said: "Coming here today has really brought home how important the services of Grove House Hospice are to the local community.

"Listening to what the patients are coping with on a day-to-day basis makes my 80 minutes on the rugby pitch seem like a walk in the park. The nursing staff at Grove House are real heroes.

Tom Mercey, who is an England Saxons prop, added: "The work of Grove House Hospice really does make a difference to people's lives and I would urge everyone taking part in the event to try and raise as much money as they can in sponsorship."

Grove House needs to raise �1.5 million each year to continue caring for people in the local community suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illness.

Last year the Herts 10K raised �100,000 and this year it is hoped to raise double that amount.

It is open to people of all abilities from walkers to semi-professional runners and support and advice will be available from Saracens rugby team who will be providing fitness tips and nutritional advice.

To book a place go to www.herts10k.com or call 01727 731002.