Architects drawing on pedal power for hospice.

A FIRM of architects in Newcastle decided working on a contract for a charity in the city was not enough and so staff have signed up to some fundraising.

Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall (JDDK) Ltd has pledged to raise money for St Oswald's Hospice after designing and managing the construction of its new pounds 2.8m Day Services Outpatient Suite at Gosforth.

JDDK project architect Stuart Franklin and associate Nicky Hodgson are currently training hard for the hospice's 2009 Transylvanian Challenge - a nine-day adventure that will see 30 volunteers trekking in Romania's Transylvanian Alps before cycling across the Transylvanian plateau and then spending their final three days working at the Casa Sperantei (Home of Hope) Hospice in Brasov.

Since its establishment in 1992 as the first hospice in Romania, the centre has cared for more than 11,000 adults and children and trained more than 9,000 healthcare professionals. It has also become a partner of St Oswald's.

Nicky said: "As a practice, we've built up very close links with St Oswald's and have worked on the various stages since 1987.

"The current annual operational costs of the hospice are around pounds 7m, of which only pounds 2m comes from statutory authorities so they need to raise some pounds 5m a year to continue their fantastic work.

"Stuart has just completed their latest development, the Day Services Outpatient Suite, and mentioned the challenge.

"We thought it would be a fantastic way to raise money for such a good cause. JDDK has already sponsored us and we're currently working on friends to raise the rest of the sponsorship money we need."

Jennie Evans, community fundraiser at St Oswald's, said: "We're really excited about this overseas challenge. "It incorporates something for everyone - hiking, cycling, voluntary project work and beautiful scenery on the way. We are thrilled that Stuart and Nicky have signed up to the challenge and I wish them both lots of luck.

"We are extremely grateful, as they will be helping to raise vital funds for St Oswald's.

"It will ensure we can continue providing specialist care for North East adults and children with life-limiting conditions."

CAPTION(S):

OVERSEAS ADVENTURE Nicky Hodgson and Stuart Franklin at the new Outpatient Suite at St Oswald's.