A DYNAMIC former Dudley mayor has handed over £3,000 to Mary Stevens Hospice after completing his toughest charity challenge yet.

Councillor Steve Waltho MBE, who has raised around £250,000 for charities over the years by pushing himself through all manner of adventures, handed over a cheque to the Stourbridge based charity after completing a hard-going hike to Everest Base Camp, in Nepal, which stands at 17,598 feet.

The 63-year-old councillor, who was the borough's mayor in 2015/16 - and who was awarded the MBE in January 2018 for services to local government and the community, had been hoping to take on the challenge for many years and finally signed up for the climb which he completed in October with his pal Martin Morris, aged 55, from Leamington.

Cllr Waltho, a trustee of the hospice, said: “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to tick this iconic challenge off my bucket list and raise funds for the families who are relying on the care of the hospice every single day."

He said he and Martin had both battled against stomach problems and altitude issues before reaching Base Camp where they proudly held up the Black Country Flag and the Mary Stevens Hospice banner.

But he said: "As long as I am able, I will continue to do my bit for the causes in our area who are in such need of support and I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me and contributed to such a fantastic donation to the charity.”

Charlotte Schofield, head of fundraising and lottery at Mary Stevens Hospice, said: "The energy and enthusiasm with which Steve has thrown himself into this challenge and his trustee role here at the hospice is such an inspiration to all of the team and to see him fly our flag on the highest mountain on earth was a truly special moment.

"A contribution like the one Steve's made will make such a difference for our families here this winter and we feel so privileged to receive the support of such a remarkable man."

Steve initially hoped to raise about £1,000 for the charity but thanks to the support he and Martin received from friends, family and colleagues he was able to triple his target.