NEVER one to let things get him down and always looking for his next challenge, a dynamic former Dudley mayor is planning a mountainous comeback after undergoing treatment for cancer.

Councillor Steve Waltho, a former Mayor of Dudley, says he feels grateful to be alive, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer which he underwent successful radical prostatectomy surgery for last November.

To help with his recovery and to help raise money for Prostate Cancer Research, the gutsy St Thomas's councillor - who has completed an array of testing charity events over the years - is now planning to climb 20 peaks in the Lake District in March.

The challenge is an "attempt to prove that life can go on with cancer" and to give back after the "brilliant NHS treatment" he received.

Cllr Steve Waltho.

Cllr Steve Waltho.

Cllr Waltho, aged 66, of Kingswinford, said: "Cancer is a word you never want to hear especially when it affects either yourself, a loved one or a friend, so I'll be attempting to climb 20 peaks as part of my recovery comeback program and to raise money for research.

"I'll also be raising funds for the wonderful local charity Access In Dudley which does wonderful work for those with disabilities and had struggled to raise funds during the pandemic.

"I'd be very grateful for any support for these worthwhile causes which will also inspire me when the going gets tough on my comeback event."

Meanwhile, he's also planning the ninth consecutive annual ascent of Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis in Scotland, in memory of Dudley peacemaker Bert Bissell MBE, which will take place on Friday August 19.

Aspiring adventurers are invited to join him on the trip which will see a party from Dudley leaving the borough to head to Fort William on Thursday August 18, returning on Sunday August 21.

Cllr Waltho, chairman of the Bert Bissell Memorial Society, said: "We welcome anyone to join us and people from all walks of life have completed the tough climb and we've even had rather emotional moments such as the scattering of loved ones' ashes performed on the summit. Individuals do need to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete the climb but so many have surprised themselves."

To date, 73 individuals have successfully completed 118 ascents of the 4,411-foot summit where Bert and his pals constructed a peace cairn which is recognised as Britain's highest war memorial.

Links have also been established with Duncansburgh Parish Church where there are stained glass windows from Dudley's former Vicar Street Methodist Church, where Bert and his father ran a bible class. A corner of the Highland Museum in Fort William is also dedicated to Bert, who climbed Ben Nevis 107 times.

Anyone interested in taking part is invited to raise money for a charity of their choice, although there is no obligation to. The trip also includes a visit to Glen Nevis cemetery where Bert was buried following his death at the age of 96, in 1998.

For more details of the expedition people can contact Steve on 07703 308463 or email stevewaltho@hotmail.co.uk.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him on his adventure to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research and Access in Dudley can do so online at gofundme.com (search 20 peaks for cancer research & disability).