Mayor joins in annual walking event
The Mayor of Dudley will dust off his walking boots and take on the Dudley Trail’s 13-mile ruby route to raise money for his chosen charities later this month.
The Mayor of Dudley is traditionally on the starting line waving to walkers as they begin the trail. But this year, Councillor David Stanley has decided to get involved himself and complete the 13-mile ruby route, named in honour of the trail’s 40th birthday.
The Mayor is appealing for people to sponsor him as he continues to raise money for this year’s Mayoral charities which include Black Country Food Bank, St John’s Ambulance Dudley and Victim Support Dudley.
Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said:
It’s a great privilege to attend an event like this and see hundreds of people putting their best foot forward, many of them taking part to raise money for worthy causes of their choice.
We know charities up and down the country have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and have been unable to raise funds in their normal way.
I want to play my part in supporting my chosen charities this year and I would urge people to sponsor me if they can to help raise much needed funds.
The annual walking event, organised by Dudley Council, traditionally takes place in May but was postponed earlier in the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As government restrictions are easing, the council will now hold the Dudley Trail in association with the Lee Shaw Partnership on Sunday September 13.
The event will celebrate its 40th anniversary but will be scaled back from previous years. Only two walks will be available including a six-mile gentle walk and the more challenging 13-mile walk.
Anyone can take part, including children (under 14s need to be accompanied by an adult) and dogs must be on leads.
All of the routes will be waymarked, and a download of the route is available on the MapMyWalk app.
This year people must register online beforehand. The six-mile walk costs £2.50 and the 13-mile walk £3. A small booking fee applies.
To ensure walkers can enjoy the day safely, they are asked to follow some instructions on the day including to start their walk as soon as they have checked-in their arrival and to keep a safe distance from other pedestrians while on the trails.
This year’s trail is also supported by Jessup Brothers.
To sponsor the Mayor to support his chosen charities you can contact the Mayor’s office at capa.admin@dudley.gov.uk
For more information about the event or to sign up go to https://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/dudleytrail