WORKERS at a battery manufacturer in Newport have taken the plunge with the longest zip wire in Europe in support of their colleague.

The 45 workers from EnerSys, in Stephenson Street, have taken part in the Velocity zip wire over Snowdonia in aid of Tenovus and St David’s Hospice Care. The trip was in support of their colleague, Martin Lewis, 44, of Croesyceiliog, who is the maintenance supervisor and has terminal cancer.

He said: “We all really enjoyed ourselves. I took part in the little zipper which is about 500 metres zip line at around 40mph.

“It was a little bit scary and a big challenge – I’m proud that Cariad, my 13-year-old daughter, did it. I just want to say a big thank you to everybody who took part and everyone who has donated. My family, my colleagues and my company have been very supportive.”

He added: “Both Tenovus and St David’s Hospice Care have been brilliant with me.”

The supervisor who has been working at EnerSys for the past 10 years is still receiving treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Mr Lewis’ family, including his wife Sharon and his brother Neil, took part in the Velocity zip wire which is 1800ft high and with speeds up to 100mph.

Paul Davies, 53, of Tredegar, shift manager at Enersys, said: “We just wanted to do something for Martin. It was brilliant, the best experience of all of our lives.

“I will have to go back in the summer.”

To donate, contact 07825541822.