A WOMAN whose husband battled against terminal brain cancer for 11 years has paid tribute to the "very special" hospice which cared for him.

Linda Lewis said staff at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands had been incredible throughout husband John's illness and following his death in February this year.

She has helped out at Manorlands' annual fundraising Starlight Hike for several years and will be there again next month.

"I've been marshalling now for so long I can't even remember exactly how many years," said Linda.

"John spent three months in the amazing care of staff at Manorlands after his diagnosis.

"We had a huge 'living wake' at the hospice, as he was only expected to last a couple of weeks at that point.

"After an unexpected homecoming on Christmas Eve in 2006, we continued to be supported and cared for.

"Visits six months later to the day therapy unit at the hospice were very special to him and to me.

"John survived against all the odds for 11 years and we couldn't have continued without Manorlands' support.

"The hospice is such an inspiring, peaceful and in many ways happy place to be.

"And after John died, I was grateful to be able to talk to the bereavement team."

The Starlight 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.

They 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.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands and the hike organiser, is urging people to sign-up quickly for the event to avoid disappointment.

She added: "The hike is a great way to get the community together, have some fun and support the hospice to raise vital funds.

"If people fancy a night out with a difference, they should enter as soon as possible because places are going fast."

For more details, visit sueryder.org/starlighthike/Manorlands, e-mail Hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or call 01535 640431.