A NEWPORT rugby star has joined two Olympians in supporting the Sparkle sponsored walk.

Matthew Veater has pledged his support to the walk, the first major Sparkle fundraising event of the year.

Last month we reported that athletes Colin Jackson and Jamie Baulch pledged their support to the walk.

We launched our Sparkle Appeal last December to raise £250,000 towards the centre to help disabled children in Newport, Torfaen and South Monmouthshire.

In July a six-mile trek will go from Fourteen Locks, Newport, to Cwmbran Stadium to raise more funds.

For Mr Veater the walk will be a double celebration as the rugby player celebrates his 28th birthday on the same day.

He said: "I will be walking on the day to help out because it is a worthwhile charity and needs all the support it can get. If we can help to drum up some support then all the better."

The father-of-two said that he would encourage people to take part in the walk and help raise funds for the new children's centre.

Ellie Sparrow-Biggs, one and Holly Sparrow-Biggs, three, will be joining Matthew and hundreds of others on the sponsored walk.

Lisa Sparrow-Biggs, mum to Ellie and Holly, said: "We will all take part in the walk in July even if we can only do the final lap at Cwmbran Stadium."

The mother-of-six said she was lucky that all her children were healthy but as a parent she understood the importance of the new centre to thousands of other children.

The course is six miles but people can also join at Bettws Lane, Pentre Lane or at Cwmbran Stadium to do a final lap.

l If you want to take part in the sponsored walk then call 01633 656212.