SIX members of the same family are taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for Manorlands.

Chris and Carole Cunningham and their children Rachel, twins Andy and Rob, and Fran are all tackling the September 7 half-marathon in aid of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Rachel, 29, the eldest of the siblings, lives in Oxenhope and works at the hospice as a regional fundraiser.

This is the fifth year in succession she has taken part in the Great North Run.

"Dad and Rob have also done it before – Rob is now on his seventh or eighth – but we've never taken part as a whole family," said Rachel.

"Mum has been plagued with knee injuries for a few years but this time she was keen that everyone entered the run, so here we are!"

The family has set-up a web page, virginmoneygiving.com/team/familycunningham, for donations.

"We don't have a fundraising target as such – we just want to raise as much as possible – but it would be nice to think we could get to £1,000," said Rachel.

"We've been pledged about £400 so far and we've only just started with the fundraising."

The family is now busy training for the event, but because of work and where people live it is impossible for them all to train together.

Chris and Carole – both 48 – and Andy, 25, and Fran, 22, all live in Ilkley.

But Rob is currently working in Dubai and will be living in Manchester when he returns.

"There is a bit of competition between us but it's good natured," said Rachel.

"We won't be running together on the day because there's a big difference between our likely finishing times.

"I think Rob will easily be the quickest amongst us.

"Andy has never taken part in a running event before, but has participated in cycling activities, and Fran has done the odd 10k but this is her first attempt at a bigger distance.

"Myself and my mum do the occasional training run or fitness class together."

Rachel added: "The Great North Run is just a fantastic event and I'm really pleased that we're all taking part."