Five Dudley councillors are set to join an expedition to Fort William this summer to raise money for The Mayor’s Charities.

The councillors will join a group of 30 walkers to climb Ben Nevis on Friday 13 August, in an annual pilgrimage of the Bert Bissell Memorial Society.

The walkers will meet with The Mayor of Dudley, who happens to be in the area on her summer holiday that week, before undertaking their hike up Britain’s highest peak.

Councillor Anne Millward, The Mayor of Dudley, said:

“I’m delighted to be able to wish this brave team of climbers well on their exciting trip to Ben Nevis.

“Every year the Mayor selects charities to fundraise for and I am hugely grateful that the group will use this annual trip in memory of Bert to raise money for my chosen charities.”

Bert Bessel climbed Ben Nevis 107 times and was laid to rest following his passing in 1998 at the age of 96 in the cemetery at Glen Nevis. He was instrumental in twinning Dudley with Fort William, held the freemanship of both Dudley and Lochaber and won the World Methodist Peace Prize for his incredible work and achievements.

A memorial plaque and stone were recently placed in Buffery Park to commemorate Bert's legacy. The Bert Bessel Memorial Society was formed in 2017 but the annual climb began in 2014. To date 65 individuals have achieved over 90 ascents raising well over £25,000 for charities.

Councillor Steve Waltho, chair of the Bert Bissel Society, said:

"Despite Covid, the pilgrimage continues and this year we have the highest ever number of councillors with us including Ruth Buttery, Simon Phipps, Society Vice-Chair Shaz Saleem and Richard Body who has had two knee replacements.

“Fundraising is at the discretion of the individuals but for certain this year money will be raised for the Mayors Charities and the Leukaemia Unit at Russells Hall Hospital.

“I'd like to personally thank everyone for keeping Bert's legacy alive".