Keighley News editor Richard Parker will swap jobs for a day... to become a trolley dolly!

As revealed last year, Richard is going the extra mile to help ensure the paper’s Million for Manorlands campaign hits its target. Sue Ryder, which runs the Oxenhope hospice, has added him to its team of runners competing in the prestigious London Marathon on April 13.

He has been pounding the streets since September as part of a rigorous training programme for the 26.2-mile capital course.

And as part of his entry, Richard also has to raise at least £1,750, every penny of which will help keep this vital service open.

With backing already received from the likes of the town’s Shimla Spice restaurant and The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, the money is starting to roll in. But there’s still a long way to go.

Sainsbury’s Keighley is the latest business to offer its backing. It is allowing Richard to promote his fundraising in store on Sunday, also providing a trolley-full of goodies worth £75 to raffle.

Richard, 40, said: “I can’t thank the Keighley community enough for all the support I’m receiving.

“Training has been gruelling, and I’ve picked up more injuries than I care to mention. “But I’m determined to complete the course, and the support of companies like Sainsbury’s is invaluable in helping me hit my fundraising target for this very worthy cause. I hope as many people as possible will pop by on Sunday to drop a few coins in the bucket or have a go on the raffle.”

Sainsbury’s Keighley charity co-ordinator, Duncan Turner, said: “Sainsbury’s Keighley store has always been a supporter of Manorlands, and it has been our charity partner in recent years.

“We are proud to assist Richard in his efforts to raise funds for Manorlands.”

Richard has set up his own Virgin Money Giving page. Just type in http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardparker into your web browser or contact him via richard.parker@keighleynews. co.uk or on 01535 606611 (option three).