FIFTY people battled through the rain and conquered any fears of vertigo yesterday to abseil from the historic Newport Transporter Bridge to raise money for charity.

The brave band, which included Monmouth MP and AM David Davies, took part in the event on the Grade I listed bridge with an aim to raise £5,000 for the St David's Foundation Hospice Care charity.

The Newport-based foundation provides hospice care to people with life-threatening illnesses in the county boroughs of Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire.

The charity is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.

During that time it has cared for tens of thousands of families across Gwent.

Chris Broome, the charity's fundraising manager, said: "It was a great day and everybody seemed to enjoy it.

"The rain was really terrible and we had a bad couple of hours.

"We were delighted with the many people who came and are looking forward to receiving their sponsorship."

St David's is holding a two-and-a-half mile fun run in the Glebelands, Newport, on Sunday, October 16.

For more information contact Julie Hilton in the charity's fundraising department on 01633 271364.