More than £1,700 raised for Hugh Porter charity event
More than £1,700 has already been raised for charity as part of a challenge to mark cycling legend Hugh Porter's 80th birthday.
Mr Porter will be joined by around 75 other riders – along with Blind Dave Heeley – as he takes to the track at Aldersley Stadium for Compton Care this weekend.
It comes as the Commonwealth Gold medal winner looks to celebrate his 80th birthday by organising the 80 for 80 event.
The venue was chosen as it was where the broadcaster trained ahead of his World Championship successes.
The event will take place on January 26, marking the milestone he reaches a day later, and will see them take on 80 laps – roughly 22.7 miles – for the charity.
Compton Care helps support people with complex and incurable diseases.
Hugh said: "I've sent out 43 hard-copy invites, and with social media feedback, I think there's another 30 or so coming.
"There will potentially be 75, but obviously we have to make allowances for the weather – if 50 ride away with me I'll be happy.
."So far we've raised just over £1,700 and I think that's not too bad – we've still got the event to come and after the event as well.
"I've got someone coming up from Worthing, my friends in Abergavenny and Cardiff who are coming.
"It's free and anybody can turn up to do the ride and make a donation.
"I can't get over the kindness of people – it's marvellous."
A total of 100 prints of Hugh, riding around the stadium, will be given out to riders to encourage them to donate.
The cyclist is aiming to raise £1,888 and is asking people to donate as a "birthday gift" to him and the charity.
Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Claire Darke will drop the flag to start the event at 11am on the day.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/hugh-porter80
