The Mayor of Dudley has completed his fourteenth marathon for charity.

Councillor Steve Waltho, who was 60 this year, ran with his son Joe and willing volunteer fundraiser Charlotte Randle to raise cash on April 24. The 26 mile run through the streets of London took the Mayor just over six hours to complete on this occasion, with his charities as a motivation.

Five local businesses donated £5,000 towards the fund with another £2,000 pledged by individuals for The Hope Centre, The What? Centre, More Mascots Please, Leukaemia Unit Appeal Fund, Russells Hall and The West Midlands Lupus Group. Cllr Waltho said:

“After running the marathon many times before, I didn’t intend to take part again this year. Being given the chance to raise a substantial amount for my charities, I just could not turn down the opportunity as they do so much to help others in need.

“People and businesses have been so generous and kind in contributing a staggering £7,000 to my marathon run.”

The businesses who supported Councillor Waltho’s run were Bathams breweries, INTU, Cousins furniture store, Black Country Training Group and Solvay Fundraisers. People can still donate to the Mayor’s charities online at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/mayorstevewaltho.