A FUNDRAISING Newport couple hoping to raise £50,000 by the end of the year are holding a sponsored zipwire – and need your help.

David and Claire Thompson are currently busy preparing the event, on September 6, which is being held to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support which are ring-fenced for Gwent.

The event is being promoted by The National Diving and Activity Centre and is supported by TSB in Newport for the purpose of raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in Gwent.

The couple have both had their fathers suffer from cancer. Sadly, David’s dad lost his battle in 2010, inspiring David to take part in extreme expeditions for charity.

Then, when Claire’s dad was diagnosed in 2012, she decided she wanted to raise money too as her dad is still being cared for by a Macmillan nurse based in the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

As a result, they have set themselves the ambitious target of raising £50,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The couple are looking for 100 volunteers to take part in the sponsored zip wire.

The wire is one of the UK’s longest, tallest and fastest zip slides, running the 700 metre length of the NDAC Quarry.

Those brave enough to enter will launch themselves from the 70m high cliff edge and speed along the length of the 80m deep flooded quarry, reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

There will also be fundraising prizes available, including a luxury golf and spa break at Bryn Meadows.

Mr Thompson said: “It’s so important to raise money for Macmillan.

“For me the thing with this event is that all money raised is staying locally - it’s Gwent helping Gwent,

“One in three people are going to get cancer or already has it, so we’ve got to put money in the pot.

“To me the zipwire is a good day out as an individual but an even better one as a group.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for a team building event that is both very cheap and for an excellent cause.

“And of course, we’ve got great prizes.

“It’s also the perfect excuse to get out of Newport when the Nato summit is on!”

A registration fee of £20 is required and a pledge to raise an additional minimum of £50 sponsorship for Macmillan Cancer Support.

For entry forms and further information please contact:

claire.thompson@clarity-compliance.com or telephone 07735 204233.