MORE than 40 people turned up to zip from one side of Swindon Town’s County Ground to the other, 50 feet above the pitch, to raise money for Prospect Hospice.

The event was organised by the fundraising team at the Wroughton charity, which provides care for people with terminal illnesses towards the end of their lives.

Fundraisers were sponsored to attach themselves to a zip-line and slide high over the pitch from one stand to the other, travelling at a speed of around 25mph.

Hayley Millin, events fundraiser for Prospect, said: “We got the idea from other hospices who have organised sponsored zip lining in football stadiums around the UK. We contacted Swindon Town and they were very helpful, and it went from there.

“We were delighted with the amount of people who pre-registered and turned up on the day to raise much needed money for a good cause. It was a great day with a good atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed it so much that they all wanted to do it again.”

Among the participants were seven employees from the hospice.

Jane Kendall, 47, community fundraiser for Prospect, from West Swindon, said: “It was fab, sheer exhilaration as if I was flying but it went very quickly. So far I have raised £100 for the hospice. We know how great a cause it is and appreciate how far the money will go and how needed it is.”

Sue Ramsay, 60, receptionist at the hospice, from Grange Park, said: “It was over too quick and I wanted to do it again. I asked to go first as I was nervous and wanted to get it over and done with. I see many patients come and go and I see the good work that the hospice does. It’s a great cause.”

If you’d like to donate money to Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, call the fundraising team on 01793 815142.