FITNESS fanatics will work out 12 hours straight to raise money for the special care of babies.

Fifty Winchester members of Dawn Breakers early morning fitness club will be doing high intensity interval training this Saturday September 7, to raise money for the Royal Hampshire County Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit.

For Emma Swift, Winchester graphic designer and mum of two, it is a cause close to her heart. “Megan was born at 29 weeks, weighing only three pounds. Without the incredible team at SCBU, my family would not be whole. We were there for two months and the amazing staff worked tirelessly to give us a happy, healthy baby back, who has grown from strength to strength“, she said. Megan, now 13 plays competitive hockey – a remarkable achievement considering her shaky start in life.”

This is the fifth time the Dawn Breakers group, which has its headquarters in Andover, have organised a 12-hour event, and the second time it has been held in Winchester.

Winchester instructor Mandy O’Neill said: “On our own, as individuals, the world can seem a scary place, but with a team like ours, the way we all come together and stick by each other, supporting each other, celebrating highs and working through lows, we can face anything at all.”

Last year the event raised £8,000, which is a target the team want to exceed this year.