GOLD Stars Nursery in Newport will play a central role in the Argus-backed Newport half marathon on Sunday, March 2.

Two members of staff will be running whilst children from the nursery hand out water to runners and sell hot dogs to spectators.

Aimee Davies, 35, and Rebecca Greenslade, 33, will be running the 13.1 mile race in aid of St David’s Hospice Care, who are close to Mrs Davies’ heart.

“I’m running it in memory of my grandad, Albert Fouweather,” said Mrs Davies. “St David’s Hospice Care looked after him when he was ill so it just seemed natural to choose them.

“They made his final days a lot more comfortable and the work they do for patients and their families is amazing.

“We had a target of £500 to raise but we’ve already hit that through donations and a raffle which is great.”

Children from the nursery will be at the 5.5 mile point and 10.5 mile point of the route handing out water to runners.

As well as this, they’ll be selling hot dogs to spectators in a bid to raise more money for St David’s Hospice Care.

Tesco donated hot dogs to the group and Gibbons and son bakery are donating rolls on the weekend of the race.

“The route goes past the nursery,” added Mrs Davies. “So we came up with the idea of making it a fun event for all the children.

“We’re really hoping that parents from the nursery bring their children to support it and help make it a great day. If the weather is nice then we’re looking to have some music and a barbecue after so it will hopefully be really good fun.”

You can donate to the cause by visiting justgiving.com/aimsandbex