An aptly-named trio of healthcare professionals from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) are gearing up to take part in a gruelling triathlon, all to raise money to benefit skin cancer patients.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Jennifer Garioch, plastic surgeon Mr Marc Moncrieff and skin cancer specialist Nurse Kate Davies are all part of the hospital's Skin Tumour Unit.

But for the challenge, they will be more commonly known as the Mole Catchers.

All three will be competing in the Norwich Triathlon on Sunday, July 9 at Whitlingham Country Park in Norwich.

Dr Garioch will be swimming in 1.5km of open water, Mr Moncrieff will be cycling 38km and Ms Davies will be running 10km.

Dermatology nurses from NNUH will also be providing sun awareness advice and free sunscreen to visitors at the event.

Ms Davies said: 'This is a great opportunity for us to give advice to athletes about how they should protect their skin.

'Many of the competitors will be in the sun for several hours without reapplying sun protection.

'This can lead to painful sunburn at the end of the event and sunburn is also one of the major risk factors for skin cancer.

'Rates of skin cancer are rising in Norfolk and we are taking this opportunity to raise money for the Skin Cancer Research Fund, part of the hospital charity.'

The triathlon involves a swim in the open waters of Whitlingham Broad, followed by a cycle race through South Norfolk's country roads, culminating in an off road run round the lake to the finish line.

The Skin Cancer Research Fund is dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of skin cancer patients at NNUH.

It has already raised more than £13,000 and aims to provide better equipment and support for specialists.

And as well as giving donations, well wishers can support the fund in other ways, such as buying genetic testing kits or equipment. Every year the team screens over 6,000 people of all ages and backgrounds for possible skin cancer.

For more information about the fund, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/nnuhskincancer or to find out more about the triathlon visit www.norwichtriathlon.co.uk