Leading Gwent serviced-office business Basepoint will take a leap into the unknown this weekend.

Alice Hicks and Andy Hosking have been nominated by Basepoint to jump from Newport’s historic Transporter Bridge in support of St David’s Hospice Care.

The two abseilers will join some 85 others first ascending the 278 steps to the top of the Transporter Bridge before being attached to a rope then freefalling 178 feet (54.25m) back down to the ground.

Marine ecologist Alice, aged 25, said: “I chose to take part in this abseil as a lot of my family originally comes from the Newport and Monmouthshire area and many of which still live here. Living in Bristol and working at Basepoint Chepstow means that I still have a strong connection to this part of the country and, while I have no personal connections to the work which St David’s Care does in the local community, should my family who still live in this area be in need, I would hope that they would be able to access the vital and brilliant support which St David’s Care provides to the local community.

Steel bridge fabrication contracts manager, father-of-one Andy Hoskings, 44, also based at Basepoint, is ready for the jump.

Andy, of Severfield (UK) Ltd, said: “Normally I just get to oversee bridge fabrication and installation and never get to abseil.

“Over the past 18 months I have been heavily involved with charity events, raising £5,500 for local girl and family friend, Ruby Atkins and next year walking from London to Brighton for the Back-up Trust.

“St David’s Hospice Care carry out an amazing role, caring for terminally ill people, providing comfort where needed. One of my old work colleague’s wife was looked after by St David’s Hospice Care in her last days and they couldn’t have done anymore to support the family. Amazing.”

Basepoint, located close to the Severn Bridge in Chepstow, has retained the Gwent hospice as its nominated charity for the second year in succession.

Basepoint Business Centres specialise in the development and operation of flexible business, innovation and enterprise centres. The business is owned by The ACT Foundation, a leading grant making charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need.

Each centre is dedicated to fundraising for a selected charity and The ACT Foundation match funds any money raised by the chosen charity, up to the value of £10,000 per centre.

Tania Ansell, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: "As a hospice fundraiser I am always inspired by the bravery and enthusiasm of those supporters that put themselves through all forms of challenges to raise money for our cause.

“ Basepoint Chepstow have been a continuous support to us and this is another example of the lengths their staff are willing to go to fund hospice care locally. The money raised in sponsorship will be match funded by Basepoint to the amount of £1,500 which certainly makes taking the leap and facing the fears all worthwhile.”