A STAFF nurse is defying medical advice to take part in a gruelling physical challenge to raise funds for a charity that supports the hospital where she works.

Katie England, who works in the emergency department at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, is taking on the Half Ironman at Wimbleball on Sunday, June 15.

She was advised by doctors to pull out after she recently fell ill but she is determined to carry on to raise money for the League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital.

Katie says she is responding well to treatment to her second setback – she previously needed stitches in her arm after a fall – and is now back in training for the gruelling challenge which comprises an open water swim, 56-mile bike ride and half marathon run over rugged Exmoor.

Determined not to miss out on the event, Katie told the County Gazette: “I am doing this to thank the League of Friends because they provide Musgrove with important life-saving equipment and in memory of a friend who needed the services of A&E after a fatal accident.”

The league of friends has funded over £400,000 of equipment for the eight new bays in the enlarged emergency department, thanks to the generosity of local people and legacies.

To help Katie hit her £1,000 charity target, go to www.justgiving.com/Katie-England1/ or send a cheque to 17 Cyril Street, Taunton TA2 6HP.