TWO Vale women are about to embark on a Thelma and Louise-style trip to make a difference to the lives of sick children in a Romanian hospital.

Karen Conway, aged 32, a trainee social worker from Barry, and social worker Lisa Ambrose, aged 37, from Dinas Powys, who are both employed at the Vale"s Children and Family Services, will be leaving Barry in a white van on September 22.

The pair aim to arrive in Brasov, Romania, within two days - having driven across Germany, Austria and Hungary.

They will spend the next week assisting at a specialist tuberculosis hospital for children.

Before they leave Barry, Lisa and Karen will be filling up their van, donated to them by Bridgend-based vehicle company Burnt Tree, with items such as vitamins and baby products which are in dire shortage in the hospital.

Karen said: "I went to Romania to work at the hospital 11 years ago. It was just after the revolution and conditions were terrible.

"It was so hard to come away from there. It will be interesting to go back now and see if things have improved at all.

"Conditions over there are not like they are here, particularly in hospitals. They desperately need help - we take everything for granted here.

"People are dying from TB everyday over there. Even basic medicines like antibiotics are in shortage."

Karen and Lisa are aiming to take as much equipment as possible with them.

And they are appealing to the public for donations of baby food (vegetable only), nappies, baby oil, baby clothes, soaps, sponges, sheets and pillows. All items must be brand new.

They agree that if this expedition is successful, they will consider making it an annual event.

Karen and Lisa would like to thank colleague Gareth Orllarde for his help in coordinating the trip, and Tony Young, Head of Services for his support.

The pair have managed to raise half of their travelling expenses by completing a sponsored cycle along the Taff Trail. The other half will come from their own pockets.

*Donations can be brought into their offices at Haydock House, Holton Road.

For more information on the products required contact either Karen or Lisa on 01446 725202.