TWO doctors from the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, decided to turn a road trip to Prague into a fund-raising opportunity for St Anne's Hospice.

Dr David Hampton and Dr Mike Penney left earlier this week for a conference in Czech republic in a 1932 three-wheeler Morgan car.

Dr Hampton said they decided to help the hospice after reading an article in the Argus about the appeal.

Both men, who work in the hospital's chemical pathology laboratory, had been invited to attend a scientific conference.

"Rather than flying we decided to go in a rather unusual way and try to help raise funds for the St Anne's Appeal," explained Dr Hampton.

Dr Penney, who owns the car, was driving while his colleague was acting as navigator. It is not the first time the two men have set out on such an adventure.

"Some ten years ago we went to another conference in Poland in the car. It was quite exciting," said Dr Hampton.

The journey was expected to take three days there and three days back. Dr Penney had to spend some time getting the car back into working order for the trip but hopefully all will go well and the sponsorship they get will drive up our appeal total.

The South Wales Argus St Anne's Hospice Appeal aims to raise a minimum of £50,000 by the end of June. If we reach our target the Julian Hodge Bank will generously add another £50,000 to the appeal.

An account for the appeal is held at the Monmouthshire Building Society (account number 0801000274).

Cheques should be made payable to St Anne's Hospice and can be paid in at all Monmouth-shire Building Society branches, sent to the Editor of the South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport NP20 3QN, or sent to St Anne's Hospice Support Services at 367 Malpas Road, Newport NP20 6WB.

Let us know if you are planning a fundraising event in aid of the appeal. Contact Jane Helmich on 01633 777229.