THE amount raised for our Sparkle Appeal is expanding thanks to the power of exercise.

On Saturday an exercise-a-thon was held at Springfield Day Hospital, St Woolos, Newport, to raise money for the appeal.

Carol Sayce, who runs a women's exercise group for the elderly and disabled, organised the event and staff from the hospital, group members and special guest Rebecca Maggs took part. Rebecca is one of the children hoping to use the new centre.

The group exercised for almost five hours and held an Easter raffle to help raise even more money.

Mrs Sayce, a 62-year-old nurse of Stelvio Park Drive, Newport, raised money for Children in Need last year but this year wanted to do something for Sparkle.

She said: "One day I was in the canteen talking to a colleague whose daughter is organising the Sparkle Appeal and I wanted to do something for it."

Launched last December, the appeals aim is to raise £250,000 towards a planned £6m centre for disabled children to be built in Newport.

Mrs Sayce said: "It's a good cause and to get the centre built in the area would be great."

If you have been inspired by this story and feel you want to support the Sparkle Appeal then special fundraising packs are available from the Sparkle Appeal Office, South Gwent Children's Foundation, Block 10 Friars Field, Newport, NP20 2UB or by telephoning 01633 656212.

Donations can be made by cheque payable to the South Gwent Children's Foundation sent to the above address, and marked 'Sparkle Appeal' on the back.

If you are arranging any Sparkle Appeal fundraising events, please tell us about it by calling Helen Roberts on 01633 777231.