SUPPORTERS of a Newport hospice took part in two fundraisers at the weekend in a bid to boost vital funds.

Dozens of women took part in a sponsored zumbathon at Beaufort Centre, Newport, on Saturday in aid of St Anne’s Hospice.

And fundraisers in Newport gathered to launch the charity’s annual car raffle on Friday.

This year’s top prize is a Citroen C1, worth £10,000, which was generously donated by retired couple Bob and Chris Purnell.

The Cwmbran couple, who have been volunteers for the hospice for a number of years, first donated the cash in 2011 on the condition the charity doubled it through raffle ticket sales.

Linda Davies from the charity said the pair’s generosity was a “massive boost” for the organisation, helping to raise vital funds towards the £1.3 million a year it takes to keep the hospice, which provides palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses, open.

She said staff hoped to at least match the £25,000 raised last year but said it might be difficult due to the current financial climate.

She said: “We would love to but it’s a bad year.

“However, as always, our fundraising team will work very hard to make sure we get as much as we can.”

Tickets for the raffle cost £1 and can be bought from any of the charity’s shops or by calling 01633 820285.

The winning ticket will be drawn on July 12.