A NURSE has been selected to play ice hockey for England in Canada.

Catherine Fell, 31, cares for sick children by day, but at night she battles on the ice with Blackburn Thunder Ladies’ team.

Her talents as a wing-forward attracted the attention of the North of England squad last year.

After shining in UK tournaments, she was invited to trial for the national team and wowed the England Ice Hockey Association’s coaches during a gruelling training camp earlier this month.

She will now represent her country at the prestigious Hocktoberfest tournament, in Ontario, Canada.

But Catherine, who works in the children’s unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital, will not be able to take part unless she raises the £1,500 needed to pay for kit, insurance, and travel, because no funding is available for the England team.

She said: “Being asked to represent England at an event like Hocktoberfest is a huge honour and will give me the chance to play alongside some of the best in the world.

“Great Britain has never qualified in the women’s game for the Winter Olympics, so Hocktoberfest represents one of the highest levels you can reach as a female English player. I started playing ice hockey when I was 19, which is quite late.

“I had played ordinary hockey at school and started playing ice hockey after I tried skating and found I had a talent for it.

“It fits in well with my work because we train quite late at night, so I can finish a shift at the hospital then head to the rink.

“It’s great for getting the frustration out after a hard day!”

Now in its fourth year, the international female hockey festival will run from October 20 to October 23.

Catherine said: “I’m older than most national league players now, so this could be my only chance to play internationally.

“I only found out about my selection a few days ago, so I’m busy trying to come up with fundraising events and find potential sponsors.”

Sarah Caton, children’s unit ward manager at Royal Blackburn Hospital, said Catherine showed ‘great dedication’ both as a nurse and in her sport.

She said: “We’re all so proud of Catherine. She is a great role model for the young people who use our services.”

If you can help Catherine’s fundraising bid, email her at cat20@o2.co.uk