Community News

A cute little black-and-white kid is the latest member of the rare Bagot goat family in the Sandwell Valley – the latest newcomer to a project to save the species from extinction.

The female has been born at Sandwell Council’s Forge Mill Farm at West Bromwich and is now available to be seen by visitors.

Melissa Underwood-Grattage, the farm manager, said “She is a cute little thing and is the latest introduction to the farm’s breeding stock and will play a part in helping to increase the number of these rare animals for years to come."

Staff at the Valley are supporting a scheme run by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust to breed the rare goats as there are fewer than 200 registered breeding females left.

The Bagot family of goats are a popular attraction for visitors to  Forge Mill. The Bagot is believed to be Britain’s oldest breed of goat with records of them being around in 1389 at Blithfield, the Staffordshire home of Sir John Bagot.

The exact origin of the Bagot goat is unknown - one theory is that they were brought to Britain during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, while others believe they originated from native goats in medieval times.

A new campaign has been launched urging people to play their part so that, “Together, we can tackle child abuse”.

It encourages members of the public to help protect children and young people by reporting any concerns they may have about the possible abuse or neglect of a child to the City of Wolverhampton Council, the NSPCC or West Midlands Police.

The City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board are backing the campaign which was launched by the Department for Education amid fears that some people are failing to report their concerns because they are not certain of the signs of child abuse, don’t know where to report it, or are worried about being wrong.

As well as highlighting how people should go about reporting their concerns, the campaign also urges people to look out for the signs that could suggest a young person is being abused. These include changes in their ABC – their appearance, their behaviour and the way they communicate.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect.

“Anything you notice can help a child at risk. If you’re concerned in any way that a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, please speak to someone as keeping quiet could mean that the authorities miss out on vital information they need to keep children safe from harm.

"Information about a child's welfare is gathered from many sources, and your report will form part of a bigger picture. You don’t have to be absolutely certain, but by speaking to the council, the NSPCC or the police you could provide the missing piece of the jigsaw – and ultimately keep a child safe."

To report concerns in confidence, please call the City of Wolverhampton Council's children's social care team on 01902 555392 or 01902 552999 outside normal working hours. If the child is at immediate risk, call the police on 999, or 101 if you think a crime has been committed. Trained counsellors are available via the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Councillor Gibson added: “Anyone can make contact with the authorities if they are worried or have concerns about a young person, including children and their families, relatives, friends and neighbours and professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses and health visitors. Whoever you are, the message is clear – if you think it, report it."

West Midlands families joined forces to support the launch of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s West Midlands Family Support Group.

The group has been set up to help South Asian families affected by muscle-wasting conditions get access to vital support. It will provide a range of support to the West Midlands community, such as helping them to access local health and care services and find suitable, accessible accommodation.

Around 4,000 people from the South Asian community in England and Wales have a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy, and up to 600 people on the West Midlands are affected. Neuromuscular conditions cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasingly severe disability. There is no cure, and few treatment options, cutting lives short.

Spearheaded by Naima Ali-Khan (36) from Coventry, Sanah Rauf (21) from Wolverhampton and Jaspal Mann (41) from Coventry, the group hopes to break down some of the language and cultural barriers that may prevent South Asian families from accessing services.

Naima, a student nurse and Muscular Dystrophy UK ambassador, whose two teenage daughters have an ultra-rare condition called SEPN1-related myopathy, said:

“As a parent of children affected by a muscle-wasting condition, it was a privilege to meet other families who really understand what you are going through. It can be overwhelming at first when you don’t know where to go to for support and this is why the group is so important. It can be empowering and reassuring to speak to others in a similar situation and learn from their experience.

“I hope the group will act as a much-needed lifeline for families who need support and understanding, when dealing with the challenges neuromuscular disease can bring.”

Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “It was good to have families coming together and drawing strength from each other. Muscle-wasting conditions can turn lives upside down, and the feeling of isolation and helplessness people often feel after a diagnosis can be all-consuming.

“By reaching out to the South Asian community in the West Midlands, we want to help families get the right support when it is most needed.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK has been supporting South Asian families affected by muscular dystrophy through the Yorkshire Neuromuscular Awaaz Forum. In 2014, the charity teamed up with Leeds General Infirmary Neuromuscular Service and two mothers from West Yorkshire, whose sons have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to form the group. Meeting regularly in Bradford, the group brings families affected by muscular dystrophy together to support each other.

This Easter Holidays, from 24 March – 15 April, head to Newquay's Pirate's Quest for an exciting new adventure. Join the live pirate crew on the Quest for the Golden Egg with tours running daily throughout the holidays!

Embark on the special mission set by Captain Blackbeard, as you travel back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy, almost 300 years ago…

Begin your adventure on board a Pirate Hunter's Ship, the Royal Anne. The vessel left England in 1721 with the intention of sailing to the Caribbean, but wrecked off the South Coast of Cornwall.

A real LIVE pirate from the infamous Republic of Pirates will rescue you from the sinking Royal Anne, escorting you through a secret passageway, and then acting as a guide through several detailed sets and scenes. Discover mystical caves and brave the murky streets of eighteenth century Cornwall as you look out for clues that might lead to the discovery of some chocolate gold!

Eventually you'll arrive at the Captain's Ship, ready to successfully return to the Caribbean with your Easter booty.

The authentic pirates are brought to life by talented theatrical actors, who are guaranteed to make this a unique and memorable experience. Families of all ages can enjoy a fascinating opportunity to learn something new about piracy, and experience the REAL life of a seafarer during the Golden Age of Pirates.

A councillor who once tipped the scales at nearly 30 stone is preparing to run his first London Marathon.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, will be taking part in the 26.2-mile race in April to raise hundreds of pounds for Sense, the national disability charity which supports people with complex communication needs.

He said: "My late brother John was hampered by being blind in one eye for most of his life, and his passing made me look for a charity that helps people with more complex needs which I could support.

"My own journey has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I was once approaching nearly 30 stone and had many health problems. I went up and down with my weight before being asked to take part in the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Call to Action in 2014 to tackle high levels of obesity in the City.

"Inspired by this, I managed to lose over eight stone and went onto to complete several 10ks and two half-marathons – but I've always wanted to do a full one."

Councillor Sweet's preparations for the London Marathon were hampered by a fractured hip and hernia surgery last year, during which time he gained some 20kgs as he was unable to run. But he vowed: "I am not going to let this setback define me and I am gently building up the miles and hoping to stay fit and well as the big day approaches.

“I’ve set a target of £1,500 for Sense, but am hoping to raise as much as I possibly can.”

Joining Councillor Sweet in this year's London Marathon – and also supporting Sense – is Martha Cummings, the council’s Voluntary Sector Coordinator. She is also a member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club and Event Director at Wednesfield Junior parkrun.

She said: “I started running three years ago to lose a little weight and to get ready for the London Marathon which is my biggest challenge on my bucket list.

“I'm now lighter, fitter and in much better shape than when I started running, and have completed three 10ks and six half-marathons including the Great North Run and Birmingham Marathon – all to get me to London.

"There are so many good causes out there that are doing incredible work for people with very challenging lives, and I’ve used my efforts to raise money for different charities, helping a variety of people and causes.

“Sense is an amazing charity, and thanks to the generosity of family, friends and strangers I am already two-thirds of the way to raising £1,500 to help offer a life changing opportunity to someone who is deafblind or has complex needs. I would be incredibly grateful for any further support to help me to reach my target.”

Accompanying the duo at the London Marathon on Sunday 22 April will be Lisa Eardly, a nurse at Newbridge Surgery, Event Director of Wolverhampton parkrun and fellow member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club.

She said: “Paul, Martha and I volunteer and run together at Wolverhampton parkrun at West Park every Saturday morning.

“This is my first London Marathon and I’ll be celebrating my 50th birthday a couple of weeks later.

“I’m fundraising for Kwale eye hospital in Kenya, as I’ve been fortunate to have three stints nursing voluntarily in Kenya.”

Sense supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. It began, and continues, to support people who are deafblind. Today, it also supports a wide range of people with complex communication needs. To find out more, please visit www.sense.org.uk.

With Mother’s day just around the corner, everyone at Twycross Zoo, including the adorable mother and baby orang utan duo, Kibriah and Kayan is feeling the love

Come and say hello and visit the award-winning conservation charity in the heart of Leicestershire this Mother’s Day, where mums go FREE all mothering Sunday weekend.

On Sunday 11^th March from 1pm, visitors can treat mum to an exclusive sparkling afternoon tea in Himalaya’s Windows on the Wild Restaurant, where the whole family can enjoy a delicious range of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.**

Open from 10am to 5pm 364 days a year, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins and say hi to the snow leopards.

Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10.00 to 17.00, 364 days a year. For more information and to book tickets visit www.twycrosszoo.org or call 0844 474 1777.

Steps to improve green spaces, retail parades and walking routes as well as support for businesses and traders are just some of the proposals unveiled today to bring a new lease of life to Tottenham High Road.

Haringey Council’s draft Tottenham High Road strategy has been put together following earlier engagement with local people and includes a wide-range of proposals designed to improve the area such as restoring historic buildings; encouraging more people to shop and socialise in the area; reducing congestion, and creating more local job opportunities.

Local residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on the proposals as part of a consultation that runs until 23 March. There will be an exhibition at Marcus Garvey Library throughout the consultation period and public drop-in sessions on March 1 (4pm-7pm), March 3 (11am-3pm) and March 14 (5pm-8pm), also at the library.

Proposals set out in the High Road strategy follow in the footsteps of a host of recent improvements to the High Road and Tottenham’s town centres. These include landscaping and improvements at Tottenham Green; a new weekly market on the green; restoration of the war memorial; West Green Road Pocket Park; improvements to Bruce Grove Bridge; an upgraded Holcombe Road Market; Albert Place, the restoration of the former Monument Way toilets into the (soon to open) High Cross bar, and new and restored shopfronts.

Feedback will help shape future plans and investment for the High Road and surrounding areas, including Seven Sisters, West Green Road, Bruce Grove, Tottenham Green and Broad Lane.

Highlights of the draft strategy include:

Improving travel links to make it easier for people to get to Tottenham’s town centres, encouraging shopping and socialising

Working with building owners to improve the external appearance of historic buildings such as the former Barclays Bank at Seven sisters, Bruce Grove toilets, St Mark’s Church and the Palace Cathedral

Transforming the High Road in Seven Sisters to create a greener and cleaner environment with improved air quality

Making West Green Road a welcoming shopping destination with ideas like new paving, lighting and street furniture

Cllr Alan Strickland, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning said:

Tottenham is an historic area with outstanding diversity. The High Road is the spine running through Tottenham and the community needs to be at the heart of any plans to improve the area’s environment and boost its prospects. We’ve already delivered a raft of positive changes, and we want to work with local people to make further improvements that will help the High Road continue to thrive in the future.

Our Tottenham High Road strategy aims to set a clear vision for the area to help shape its future success, and I would encourage all residents and businesses to let us know their views.

With cold spells continuing for much of the UK, Cats Protection have some top tips to help protect cats from ‘the beast from the east’.

While snow can be beautiful and exciting for humans, it is important to remember some of the risks it poses to our feline friends.

These are some simple measures to help keep cats safe in plummeting temperatures:

• If your cat is seeing snow for the first time, let them explore a safe, enclosed area first and accompany them in case they get into difficulty.

   

• Check your cat’s paws when they come in and gently wipe off any road grit, salt or compacted snow.

   

• Like humans, cats can get frostbite.  Be vigilant for any signs of skin discolouration, pain, swelling and/or blisters, particularly on extremities such as their ears and toes.

   

• Consider keeping your cat indoors at night, when temperatures are lower and the risk of road traffic accidents is higher.

   

• Provide shelter for cats that have access outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, or wedged slightly open or install a cat-flap so cats do not become trapped inside.

   

• Check your cat-flap regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow.

   

• Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth while out roaming. Be vigilant, and check under the bonnet of your vehicle before starting.

   

• The cold can severely affect the joints of arthritic cats. Provide plenty of warm and comfy places to sleep and ensure your cat can access them easily.

   

• Your cat may love to snuggle in front of the fire to keep warm; screen-off open fireplaces and always supervise your cat if you have a fire lit.

Hundreds of children in Sandwell have been given their breakfast during February half-term as part of "Cereal Readers" scheme.

Children at Blackheath library tucked into their breakfast and then took part in activities provided by library volunteers and the Murray Hall Trust. The scheme has also run at Glebefields library in Tipton, Rounds Green library in Oldbury and Stone Cross library in West Bromwich.

Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.

All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "It's great to see so many children are enjoying 'Cereal Readers' and visiting libraries during the school holidays.

"We do lots to encourage parents and carers to take their children to libraries and having a breakfast on offer for the children is a great incentive."

"We are putting plans in place so we can provide the scheme during the Easter school holidays to more libraries in Sandwell."

Shortly after settling into the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Centre, in Birmingham, Luna started to show symptoms of fur loss and sore feet. She was put back into a foster home, where her symptoms disappeared.

Three months on from her arrival into RSPCA care, the charity is still looking for a loving home for her.

Emma Finnimore, cattery supervisor at Newbrook, said: “Luna is an absolute sweetheart and we are desperately looking to find her a home. She got very stressed out from being in a cattery environment, it was as though she was allergic to it!

“We think that her symptoms were stress-related, she simply couldn’t cope with living in a cattery environment. She seems less stressed in a foster home, although she got a little stressed out when her foster carer went away for a few days.

“She’s been with us now for 98 days*, which means she has spent Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day without a home to call her own.”

Luna had to have an eye removed when she arrived at the RSPCA, due to an injury - however she’s adapted well to having one eye.

Emma added: “She is a proper lap cat and climbs on the moment she sees you take a seat. If you pick her up she will give the best cuddles!

“Luna will suit a quiet home to match her personality. She could live with children of a primary school age who understand she likes a peaceful life.

“Luna enjoys being groomed as this is more fuss and attention for her. She isn't really interested in toys and when we've tried, she just looks at us as if to say, ‘yeah right!’

“We know for sure that Luna will make a great addition to her new home and will be a fantastic companion.”

It is 35 years since the first Fudge Kitchen opened its doors, introducing an American concept of fresh whipping cream fudge, made to an authentic 1830s recipe. Introducing the pioneering concept of 'retail theatre', the shops still hand make fudge in full view of the customer, using traditional techniques involving copper cauldrons of bubbling fudge, poured onto marble and 'loafed and slabbed' using huge spatulas to turn the cooling fudge and achieve that FK famed creaminess.

It was risky. High-end, gift chocolate had a place in consumer comprehension, but fudge? Fudge made by true artisans, using only the finest ingredients? Fudge that didn't come in a box with a kitten on the front? Fudge that was soft, fresh and smooth …?

The first major refit of Fudge Kitchen shops in 2007 was all about educating the consumer to this potential and reflecting that premium positioning, drawing on the design language of the luxury chocolate sector. After 35 years of educating the market, in total, Fudge Kitchen's new rebrand is about communicating the collective, big personality and values of the company.

“We have successfully repositioned and educated people that fudge, done properly, with natural, and good quality ingredients can be something rather special and spectacular,” says MD Sian Holt. “Fudge Kitchen has grown-up and now is the time to let our own, very unique personality and strong brand shine through in its own right. Quirky straplines and design features reflect the group personality of the fudge family, and lighter-brighter colours let the hero of the piece, our fudge, stand out on a fresh, contemporary stage all of its own.“

Design concept-ionery …

Fudge Kitchen is variously famed: for exceptional, multiple award-winning confectionery, for trailblazing NPD innovation, for exquisite packaging, for sure. But equally for the fabulously maverick staff, replete with moonlighting musicians, stand-up comedians, artists, even bell ringers; with crazy millinery, upbeat banter and hugely theatrical skills to boot.

Poor Jamie McFarlane, from Let's Talk Agency, was tasked with communicating the whole disparate shebang. And, as he explains, he has done just that:

"As the branding agency for Fudge Kitchen, we've helped the brand update its image to bring out its personality more consistently. Previously, each of the stores had different interior designs that only followed a loose branding theme. Our designs make the branding consistent across all stores, while letting each shop retain its individual flavour.”

"We chose each store's colours according to the new brand colour palette, and implemented common features that would be present in each store. Every shop now has a large cocoa powder explosion graphic on its walls, expressing the energy, passion and fun of the brand, and highlighting the big copper pot where the fudge is made – the focal point of the stores” Jamie McFarlane, Director, Lets Talk Agency

The result is bright, light, and artisanal functional; with clear, colour-coded signage, flavour and allergen information and a layout designed for both efficiency and as a stage for the fabulously theatrical process that is traditional fudge making, which customers specifically visit to watch. Yet, with the quirky details that differentiate the brand – from the rubber duck and chainsaw listed on the Fudge Tooling board, to sage advice accompanying the Fudge Flavours: ”Remember, more is more and less is lazy” and “Don't Tap on the Glass, it Scares the Fudge”.

Tributes have been paid to the serving Mayor of Wolverhampton and one of city’s “favourite sons”, Cllr Elias Mattu, following the sad news of his death at the age of 59.

Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Roger Lawrence, said: “Elias was my friend and a loyal, dedicated and loving family man. On behalf of the City of Wolverhampton, I extend my very deepest condolences to his widow Asha and his children Anthony, Ishmael and Jessica.

“Elias served his city and council for nearly two decades with huge dedication and commitment. He was one of our city’s favourite sons, a hugely popular councillor and person, hugely respected by the people he served.

“His great strength was his warmth, impeccable manners, leadership, compassion, loyalty and unifying influence. Elias worked closely with different community and faith groups across the City of Wolverhampton, bringing people from all backgrounds together and making our city a better place as a result.

“Despite illness, he continued his mayoral duties for as long as he could with unyielding strength, optimism and determination and raised thousands of pounds for his mayoral charities. He will be profoundly missed by many people.”

Councillor Mattu was the 159th Mayor of Wolverhampton, elected on 17 May 2017 for the 2017-18 municipal year.

Originally born in Punjab, North India, Cllr Mattu came to live in the City of Wolverhampton at the age of nine. Educated at Graiseley School, Wulfrun College and Wednesbury College of Commerce and Technology, he went on to study law at Wolverhampton University whist working as a volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau. He also studied for a certificate in Management and a Diploma in Leadership and Management at Warwick University.

He served as a councillor for Graiseley Ward for nearly 18 years and, as well as Mayor, held several other key positions on the City of Wolverhampton Council, including cabinet member for leisure and communities and cabinet member for adult services, chair of scrutiny panel, licensing committee and member champion for equalities.

Councillor Mattu also held significant roles on outside bodies representing the council, including the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, West Midlands Equality and Diversity Board, West Midlands LGA, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and its Central Regions Vice-Chairman.

As a local ward councillor, he served as a vice chair of the St Chad’s Association and Graiseley School Governing Body for 22 years, including 12 years as the chair of governors. He was shortlisted for a national award for his contribution to the development of the city’s successful community hubs.

Elias had a great passion for sports. Over the years, he participated in hockey, cricket, boxing and martial arts. He also enjoyed power-lifting, becoming a regional coach and referee – and in the late 1980s he opened his own club where he trained five British power-lifting champions and one European champion.

The flags are flying at half-mast at the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton and a public book of condolence is being set up inside the building.

City of Wolverhampton Council inspected its first residential property today after receiving reports of illegal sales of counterfeit tobacco.

The city council’s Trading Standards team carried out ‘operation gauntlet’ this morning (Thursday 22 February) after successfully obtaining a warrant to search a property based in Low Hill, Wolverhampton.

A shocking variety of fake and genuine cigarettes - which have avoided UK duty were found to being sold ­illegally at the property.

Along with West Midlands Police, a trademark expert and specialist search dogs, the team inspected the entire property to search for hidden tobacco.

An estimated £40,000 worth of fake goods were being stored in garden sheds, and bedrooms and the living room of the property.

Over 70,000 counterfeit cigarette and tobacco packets and were seized and taken for further examination.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “"This is part of our ongoing operation to tackle the sale of illicit and counterfeit tobacco.

“Selling and supplying counterfeit tobacco is a serious crime that not only robs the public purse of much needed revenue, but also poses a real threat to public health.

“Today is a perfect example of the hard work that is being undertaken by our trading standards team and the fantastic work we do with sniffer dogs who play a vital role in our success.”

Council officers also contacted West Midlands Fire Service after finding a large quantity of fireworks stored in garden shed. Due to the resident not having a license to sell these products, the fireworks were also seized.

Young readers are being encouraged to celebrate their favourite literary characters as Wolverhampton's libraries mark World Book Day on Thursday (1 March, 2018).

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s libraries are holding competitions for children aged five to seven and eight to 12, with £10 book vouchers up for grabs – all children have to do is pick their favourite book, and say why they like it so much. There is also a word search challenge to complete.

Entry forms are available from local libraries now, and the closing date for entries is Monday 5 March.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Getting into the reading at an early age can instil a life-long love of books.

“We're looking forward to hearing from young readers about the books they love – and why they love them – as we mark World Book Day."

For more information about Wolverhampton's libraries, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

To find out more about World Book Day, please visit www.worldbookday.com.

Meanwhile, pupils from Bushbury Hill Primary School will be attending Low Hill Library on Wednesday (28 February) for storytelling sessions on the theme of emotional health and wellbeing.

The visit is part of a World Book Day event organised by the library service in in partnership with HeadStart Wolverhampton, the ground-breaking programme designed to improve the mental health and well-being of children by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.

Nursery pupils from Lanesfield Primary School will also be visiting Spring Vale Library for a World Book Day story time session tomorrow (Tuesday).

Councillor Reynolds added: “Our libraries welcome class visits by prior arrangement and it is great to see schools taking advantage of their local branches.”

Calling all cyclists! Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has partnered with popular cycling event, Mad Summer Hare, and is looking for your support in what is now the West Midland’s flagship cycling event.

The Mad Summer Hare sportive is a flagship ride in the West Midlands that attracts a lot of local riders from across the region. Riders will ride 72 miles to the Cotswolds and back with four big hill climbs, or as many as you can handle, all in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Due to its popularity and the success of its sister event, the Mad March Hare, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has become a key partner aiming to raise vital funds for the 90,000 sick children the hospital treats every day.

Dan Fox, Event Organiser for Mad Summer Hare, comments:

“We’re thrilled to have Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity as our principle charity and above all, we’re super excited to see over 1200 riders raising money for the incredible work they do.”

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, adds:

“We are absolutely delighted to be the key charity partner for this year’s Mad Summer Hare. As the major cycling event for the West Midlands, it is certain to be a key fundraising event for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, so it’s fantastic to have their support.

“We’re grateful to all the riders taking part as they are helping raise the vital funds needed to continue helping our 90,000 sick kids.”

The event has raised over £30,000 for charities so far to date.

The Mad Summer Hare sportive takes place on Sunday 2^nd September from Umberslade Farm Park.