FUNDRAISERS from Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice are on the lookout for Ilkley residents wanting to make a difference in their local community to form a new volunteer fundraising group.

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is the primary provider of specialist palliative care in the LS29 area and supports people who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families. It also provides expert care to patients across Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven and Bradford.

There are currently 12 fundraising groups supporting the hospice across West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, which raise around £150,000 every year.

Despite their activities being heavily impacted by COVID-19, group members have collectively raised over £20,000 through organising bake sales, afternoon teas and a series of virtual running and cycling events when restrictions have allowed.

Lucy Knowles, a member of the Settle fundraising group, who organised a series of in-car treasure hunts last summer in aid of the hospice, said: “My grandad was cared for at Manorlands and joining this group gave me a way to support the hospice more proactively rather than just putting money in a tin or buying a raffle ticket.

“I would highly recommend joining a fundraising group – whether you have retired and have some more time on your hands, or you want to volunteer and try something new - it’s a great way to meet people and make new friendships, all while raising vital funds for a good cause. You can give as much or as little time as you like – every little helps.”

With restrictions easing, the hospice is now keen to hear from people who would like to join an existing fundraising group or establish a brand new group to organise and support fundraising activities.

Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Our fantastic local fundraising groups play a very important role in helping us to raise much-needed funds, and after a difficult year of fundraising, we need the help of our communities more than ever.

“We would love people to come forward and start new fundraising groups anywhere where we don’t presently have them, but we are particularly looking for people in Ilkley who want to meet new people, have fun and help us to be there when it matters.

“All groups will be supported every step of the way by our fundraising team.”

For more information on joining or setting up a fundraising group, or other ways you can support the hospice, email andrew.wood@sueryder.org.

For more information about the services provided by Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, visit: sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/sue-ryder-manorlands-hospice