LEN Phipps plans to prepare for his 70th birthday by cycling 140 miles in memory of his former partner Carol Mckie who died after suffering from bladder cancer.

He intends to travel from Carol's birthplace in Nelson, Lancashire, to Himley Hall, where he will be joined by his two sons Ian and Ashley for the last ten miles.

The retired sales manager from Kingswinford will be attempting to raise funds for the Georgina cancer unit at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital which treated Carol during her illness.

Len said: "Carol supported many charities and had an incredible zest for life. This challenge is a fitting tribute to Carol and I wanted to reflect this by raising money for the hospital who took such good care of her when she was ill.

"She was always raising money and supported many children's charities."

Carol, who died last May, worked at both Longlands and High Park School in Stourbridge, but was also an accomplished seamstress and made many costumes for school productions.

Len is no stranger to raising money himself, having run three London Marathons for good causes.

His cycling challenge starts on July 23 and he expects to complete the course in just two days.

Len is also hoping some of his grandchildren will join him along the main driveway at Himley Hall.

He added: " I imagine the last few 100 metres will prove very emotional."

Anyone who wants to support Len can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/Len-Phipps2