Two members of Dudley Council will be taking on a 72-mile cycling challenge in memory of their late colleague next month to raise money for a local bike track and the Mayor of Dudley’s charities.

Councillors Chris Barnett and Ruth Buttery will set off from Sugar Loaf Lane in Stourbridge on Saturday 2 September to cycle to Sugar Loaf Mountain, which is located in the Brecon Beacons in Monmouthshire.

Cllr Barnett will be raising funds for the installation of a pump track at Homer Hill Park in Cradley. Developing a BMX circuit for the park was a passion project of Cllr Richard Body, a fellow bike fan who sadly passed away in May.

A casual cyclist, Cllr Buttery will be riding in support of the Mayor of Dudley’s charities, Dudley Community First Responders, Mary Stevens Hospice, Up & Downs and Prostate Cancer UK.

The kind-hearted duo have been training hard for their demanding journey to South East Wales and completed a 43-mile practice run last week. Councillor Chris Barnett said:

"On election night, Cllr Body told me about his planned ride to the Brecon Beacons and encouraged me to join him. I didn't need to be asked twice!

"Sadly, it was never to be, but I feel it is important that I undertake the ride in his memory and use it to raise funds for Richard’s Pump Track Project in Homer Hill Park.

"I'm delighted to be joined on this adventure by Cllr Buttery. It's an admirable challenge for a new rider!"

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services and education, added: "I usually just cycle around the Clent Hills, so this journey will be a huge personal challenge for me.

"All four of the Mayor of Dudley’s charities are special to me in different ways, which is why I am stepping out of my comfort zone and doing this bike ride. I would welcome as much sponsorship as possible as the funds will be going to some really important causes."

Councillor Andrea Goddard, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "I’d like to wish my colleagues Cllr Barnett and Cllr Buttery the very best of luck for their journey to the Brecon Beacons.

"They’ve been getting in a lot of practice lately on their bikes in some challenging conditions, so I know they’ll be ready to take on whatever the British weather throws at them next month! I’m very touched that they have decided to include my chosen charities in their fundraising, as well as supporting a project that was close to the heart of a much-missed fellow member of the council, Cllr Richard Body."

Donations to support the councillors’ cycling challenge can be made to the Mayor of Dudley’s charity appeal. The funds raised from the ride will be split equally between the Mayor of Dudley’s charities and the Friends of Homer Hill Park group.