A FUNDRAISING couple from Newport are nearing their target to raise £50,000 with a charity zipwire event in Chepstow.

David and Claire Thompson, from Langstone, pledged to raise the amount through extreme challenges after both their fathers battled with cancer.

The funds raised by the zipwire expedition will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and then be ring-fenced to provide local support in Gwent.

The 700-metre zipwire, at the National Diving Activity Centre in Chepstow, is one of the UK’s longest, tallest and fastest zip slides and runs from the 70-metre-high cliff edge over a 80-metre-deep quarry.

The husband and wife team, who climbed Kilimanjaro in May, are also planning to take part in the Moroccan Three Summits to climb the three highest mountains in North Africa.

Mrs Thompson has also completed two marathons and the pair have organised a summer ball and charity collections.

Mr Thompson, whose dad sadly died from cancer in 2010, said: “Preparations are going well.

“We’ve had a lot of interest but still have places left.

“Hopefully this will be our last event to reach our £50,000 target.”

Mr Thompson said bank Lloyds TSB, who are sponsoring the event, have vowed to match the couple’s funding so everything raised will be doubled.

David Gallivan, branch manager at Lloyds TSB Newport, said: “Here at TSB we are delighted to support Macmillan Care who play such a vital and important role in our community”.

The event will take place at the NDAC in Chepstow on Saturday, September 6 with fundraising prizes to be won.

For information or to register contact claire.thompson@clarity-compliance.com or phone 07735 204233.