CHARITABLE Amblecote fundraisers who took part in cricket matches, raffles and a cross-country walk for Mary Stevens Hospice have donated £8,900 to the Stourbridge-based cause.

Made up of local residents and firemen who regularly meet at Brettell Lane pub The Maverick, the group brought an end to their 2016 fundraising by handing a cheque over to the Hagley Road charity.

Throughout the summer, the group ran a number of fundraising events, most impressive was the 101-mile walk from Wales to The Maverick which saw the group forego sleep and rest in order to cover the distance in just 42 hours.

They were also joined for the final stretch of the walk by more than 40 people, who had donated money to walk the last few miles of the route.

The group has now launched their 2017 event, a 120-mile mixed terrain walk from Borth back to The Maverick, which they intend to finish in just two days.

They will walk from Friday May 19 until 9pm on Sunday May 21, where they will be met by a big charity fundraising event and post-walk party.

The group are also organising smaller walks, so that members of the public can join them for the last 15 or nine miles on the Sunday as they enter the final stretch back to the pub.

Mary Stevens Hospice’s Dan Malin said: “Most people would be happy with what they’ve achieved, but these guys have looked at it and decided that they’re going to do some even more challenging next year, and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”

The group began fundraising to pay tribute to the memory of Rae Timmins and Jane Webb, and will continue to raise funds for the hospice in their name.