Slade's Dave Hill adding stardust to charity's golden anniversary celebration at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Slade legend Dave Hill will be adding a sprinkle of stardust to the 50th anniversary fundraising night at the races for a mental health charity on Friday September 18.

To celebrate its golden year staff and volunteers at Black Country Mental Health will be officially taking over the races with a fundraising race evening at Wolverhampton Racecourse at Dunstall Park.

Speaking ahead of the event Dave, who served as the body’s ambassador, says he is "really looking forward to supporting the charity and would encourage those who enjoy racing and care about good mental health to come along and join the fun.

The race card will include Dave’s own Ambassador’s Race. Meanwhile event sponsors include businesses JJX Logistics, Pertemps Group, Cardway Cartons Ltd and GE Starr Engineering.

The charity also says it is on track towards offering better mental health awareness and is entering the final straight in its mission to ensure no one in the region faces their darkest moments alone. Using the high-stakes energy of the race track, the local charity is calling on the community and sponsors to help them clear the final hurdles and bring good mental health past the winning post.

Chief Executive at Black Country Mental Health Sandra Vaughan says: "A massive thank you to all the sponsors, our trustees, and our incredible team of volunteers and donors. Your support is invaluable to this organisation. Thank you for your individual contributions—you truly help make BCMH possible."

"We all have mental health that needs to be looked after. Help us in that quest by donating whatever you can afford to help us continue this critical work. We could not do this without the invaluable help and support of our community, our tireless trustees and our incredible volunteers."

The race evening is being organised by Kay Hinton and Ms Vaughan, of the charity, and Marie Adams, of the venue. Members of the public are welcome to attend to cheer on the runners and riders and support the cause.

The gates open at 3pm. The first race under starters orders is the 4.02pm class four contest sponsored by Weatherbys followed by eight races from 4.35pm all sponsored by the charity with the last with the last at 8.15pm.

The body, formerly known as Dudley Mental Health, adds that mental health should never be a permanent handicap. With the right backing, everyone in the region can successfully complete the final furlong and cross the finish line that leads to a brighter, healthier future.

Residents from Dudley, Sandwell Walsall and Wolverhampton seeking immediate, free,and fully confidential support are strongly urged to reach out directly via emailing [email protected] or contact the team directly at 01384 685060.