DAREDEVIL GP surgery staff raised almost £3,000 for St David’s Hospice Care after lowering themselves off Newport’s iconic Transporter Bridge.

A daring dozen, made up of 10 staff at Monmouth’s Chippenham GP Surgery and two family members took part in a sponsored abseil collecting a total of £2,915 in donations, cake-sale and raffle.

The doctor, two nurses, two dispensing staff and five reception staff together with the family members formed a team which they called The Chippenham Freefallers.

After ascending the famous bridge’s 278 steps the twelve then freefell 178 feet back down to the Transporter Bridge car park.

Organiser and team leader Wendy Wilson said: “Some were more nervous than others and it’s fair to say we were all a little apprehensive but it was great fun and a real life experience.

“We’re delighted to have been able to raise so much money for St David’s Hospice Care as we have a strong connection with the charity and witness first hand what benefits and care the charity delivers to people throughout our community.

The abseil also attracted other businesses to take part including RBS, Admiral, Basepoint Chepstow and JoJo Maman Bebe.

Basepoint, Chepstow, had two close clients take part for the first time in the abseil and the serviced office business match funded the sponsorship to £1,500.

Tania Ansell, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “This was a really fantastic effort from those who took part. We are pleased to announce that with everyone working so hard to raise sponsorship and the match-funding from Basepoint Chepstow they have raised over £12,000 for hospice care.