Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Ed O’Driscoll has set himself the couch to 5k challenge all in aid of his mayoral charity of the year, the Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust (CDT).

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll told the Gazette: “Many of you will be aware of the fabulous work they did during the pandemic helping to co-ordinate other voluntary groups to distribute food and medicine. They became a lifeline for many residents in the town. This work continues through ‘Ross Good Neighbours’ scheme, but they are involved in many other valuable activities across the town. Most recently they ran the Clover Project which provided a range of fabulous opportunities for residents to try a whole host of different activities.

“In order to help the CDT continue their work I’m doing a bit of fundraising. Those of you that know me will be aware that I could do with shedding a few pounds; so to kill two birds with one stone, hopefully not literally, I’ve decided to undertake the couch to 5K challenge, or in my case the couch potato to 5K.”

He added: “For nine nine weeks, from the beginning of September, I will be following guidance from the NHS app as I endeavour to put my body through its paces. You’ll be able to follow my progress through regular social media updates on the mayor’s Facebook page 
facebook.com/rowmayor
and hopefully you might be inspired to encourage me in my challenge by sponsoring me for a few quid.”