A WOMAN who began fundraising for Manorlands a decade ago following the death of her mother has reached a milestone.

Janet Robertshaw has smashed through the £7,000 mark in her support of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Her mum, Barbara Owen, died at Manorlands in October, 2007.

Since then Janet has taken part in a string of events in tribute to the care and support received from staff.

She has completed ten 10k runs, several Starlight Hikes and two Great North Runs – the most recent of which she ran with her partner Stuart, whose late twin brother also benefited from hospice care.

Janet said: "The time we spent at Manorlands as a family was so special.

"The staff completely understood what we were going through and offered all the support and care we could have asked for.

"At such a vulnerable time it meant so much to us, not to mention the peace of mind knowing that mum was being cared for in the best place possible.

"I made a promise to mum that I would repay the care we were given, and it seemed fitting that at the ten-year anniversary I should commemorate this fundraising milestone.

"I also wanted to thank family, friends and colleagues who have supported me through my journey, in particular my dad Baron Owen, who has been a rock in making this all possible."

A cheque for £7,044 has been handed over to Manorlands fundraiser, Harriet Wood, who pays tribute.

"Janet has committed so much towards the hospice over the past ten years and we couldn't be more thankful for her help," she said.

"She knows through personal experience what this amazing amount of money means to us and how we are able to use it.

"I hope Janet is as proud of herself as we are of her in supporting not just Manorlands, but the overall hospice movement as well."

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.

For more details about fundraising for Manorlands, call 01535 640430.