A FAMILY is taking part for the third time in an annual fundraising hike in aid of Manorlands.

Becca Banks – a volunteer at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice's day therapy unit – will be joined on the Starlight Hike by her mum Andrea, sister Rachel and best friend Em Bloodworth.

"We signed-up for the first time in 2015 as we wanted to raise money for a local charity that meant a lot to us," said Becca.

"As a family we enjoy walking, and this is a chance to raise money whilst doing something we like.

"The atmosphere on the hike is so full of positive spirits."

She added: "As a volunteer in the day therapy unit, whenever I meet patients they always have smiles on their faces and say how well they are treated by the hospice staff.

"Some people think Manorlands is just a place for people to die, but that's not necessarily the case. People do go home."

The hike – on September 30 – will begin at Oxenhope Station, where there will be music, stalls, entertainment and a warm-up.

Participants will then board the Starlight Express – courtesy of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, using a train specially re-named for the night – and travel to Oakworth, where the 10km walk will begin.

Participants will follow a marshalled route through villages and countryside back towards Oxenhope, taking in the Starlight Avenue – within the hospice grounds – where people can hang a star dedicated to the life of a loved one.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided en route, and at the finish walkers will receive a goody bag and hot sandwich.

Main sponsor of the event is Stirk Lambert & Co accountants, of Keighley.

Tickets for the hike are on sale at sueryder.org/starlighthike/Manorlands, with an early-bird price of £12 for adults and £5 for under-16s until the end of this month.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, issued a plea to the public.

She said: "There are still places available, so why not come along and enjoy an evening full of laughter, memories and team spirit whilst supporting the crucial work of Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice?

"There are also many volunteering opportunities available, as we need marshals and people to man the stalls."

For further information or to offer help, contact Hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or 01535 640431.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.