SIR,

After months of canoeing and capsizing practice, The Wye Women will shortly be setting out on their 100 mile journey along the Wye in aid of St. David's Hospice Care.

The group of nine are mostly health workers from the Monmouth and Chepstow area. As the odd one who isn't a nurse, I have my special reason for taking part. Three years ago my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. St David's nurses made it possible for him to leave hospital and come home. As he needed 24 hour care, the nurses came regularly for night duty and their kindness and support meant his last few weeks were spent with those he loved and who loved him.

St. David's, providing free community based care to people with cancer or any other life threatening illness in Gwent and South Powys, was there for us when we needed it and we have never forgotten.

To support The Wye Women's fundraising for St. David's visit http://www.justgiving.com/wyewomen">www.justgiving.com/wyewomen or donations can be sent to St. David's Hospice Care office at Monnow Vale Hospital, Monmouth.

Ros Edmonds

(Monmouth)