Our friendship began in the very early 1980s at Mapledene Primary School. More than 40 years later, a tight-knit group of late-40s and early-50s friends remain as close as ever.

With football loyalties split evenly between Aston Villa and Birmingham City, the banter has always been strong — but it has never outweighed the love, loyalty, and bond we share.

Last year, our group lost one of our own.

Craig Standley — known to us all as Stan — sadly lost his battle with cancer. Stan spent his final days at Marie Curie Solihull Hospice, where he was cared for with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

Stan was a truly special person who valued friendship above everything else. His love for his friends ran so deep that he even left money in his will to ensure our annual weekend away would continue. That generosity says everything about the man he was.

To honour our pal, “The Bells” will be taking on a challenge in May 2026.

We will be walking and wild camping the West Highland Way in Scotland — a 96-mile trek over six days — to raise money for Marie Curie Solihull Hospice, in memory of Stan.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help support the incredible care Marie Curie provides to people and families when they need it most — just as they did for Stan.

Thank you so much for your support.

This walk is for our friend who will forever be one of The Bells. 💛