Gary to mark his big day with fundraiser

A chartered accountant from near Shifnal is celebrating his 50th birthday by cycling 300 miles for charity - and auctioning off a Wolves shirt signed by the 2008-9 Championship-winning squad.

Father-of-two Gary Murrall, from Badger, is trying to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by joining 60 cyclists in a challenge event riding from London to Paris from August 19 to 22.

The 49-year-old, who celebrates his big day on August 20, is inviting bids for the Wolves shirt to help boost the cause.

Gary, whose practice is Dawe White Murrall, Wolverhampton, is doing the gruelling ride for Macmillan after losing long-term business partner Dean White to the disease eight years ago, as well as two of his grandparents, Anne Murrall and Sidney Brinsdon.

Having not got on a bike since he was a teenager, Gary only restarted cycling in April and is now riding up to 65 miles at a time, and 150 miles a week.

"I could have had a birthday party, but I thought that was a bit self-indulgent, so instead I'm covering the £1,300 entrance fee then trying to raise £5,000," he said.

"We'll be doing about 75 miles a day and staying at cheap bed and breakfasts along the way."

To make a donation or bid for the shirt call Gary on 07710 332448, or e-mail gary@d-w-m.co.uk