A SPECIALIST nurse is undertaking an epic 12-hour workout this Saturday to raise funds for a cause ‘close to her heart’.

From 7am until 7pm, Tracey Murray will be pushing her body to the limit at The Hotel Rembrandt leisure centre, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

The heart failure nurse specialist, who works at Dorset County Hospital, said the extra-long gym session is in memory of loved ones who had lost their lives to the devastating disease and a friend who is currently battling cancer.

Tracey, of Radipole, Weymouth, said: “I will be exercising for a whole 12 hours mainly on the treadmill, rower, cross trainer and bike.

“Cancer Research UK is a charity close to my heart, having lost my mum, sister and brother-in-law to cancer.

“I do the Race for Life every year in their memory and have also done a 10km run in previous years.

“However, a dear friend recently died having bravely fought cancer and another friend is currently having treatment for cancer.

“This year I wanted to do something extra for all the people I’ve known who have been affected by cancer but especially in my friend Gill’s memory and to do a positive thing for my friend Fred who is currently battling cancer.”

Tracey, who has been a member of the Rembrandt gym for around eight years and goes there most days said she has received ‘a lot of support’ for her ‘extra long gym session’.

She added: “Friends and other regular gym users have pledged their support on the day and will be coming into the gym throughout the day to encourage me.

“I have had t-shirts made promoting the event which I have been wearing in the gym in the run up to the event – this has been an excellent way to encourage other gym users to donate.”

She praised the ‘real team effort’ behind the event and said her husband Andy, family and friends have all been busy collecting sponsorship.

Tracey initially pledged to raise £300 has already exceeded this target and is now trying to raise ‘as much as possible’.

Support Tracey’s challenge online at justgiving.com/ TraceyMurray1511, or visit the Rembrandt this Saturday.