A FAMILY is paying its own heartfelt tribute to Manorlands.

Relatives of Russ Fearnley, who was cared for by staff from the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice and spent his final hours there, are taking on the Keighley BigK 10K to raise money.

And they are urging others to lace-up their running or walking shoes for the annual event, on Mother's Day – Sunday, March 11.

Organisers say entry numbers are currently well down on previous years.

The event starts and finishes at Victoria Park, following a multi-terrain route around the town. There is also a 5k option.

Mr Fearnley was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the summer of 2015.

"Neither dad nor the family knew how to respond to this devastating news," said his son, Rob.

"But within days of his diagnosis, the team at Manorlands was in contact and had taken an enormous weight from our collective shoulders."

In November that year, Mr Fearnley was admitted to the hospice, where he would spend his last hours.

"The dignity, compassion, empathy and love we were shown was invaluable to us as a family," said Rob.

"Dad might only have been cared for fleetingly by the team at Manorlands, but there aren't enough days in the year to repay what it did for us.

"Taking part in the Keighley BigK is the least we can do to just go a small way towards acknowledging the people and facilities we were so lucky to be given access to.

"Between us we've done four or five events now for Manorlands, but this one will be the first where dad's grandson Leo is taking part.

"Dad lived for sport of all kinds and the idea of his children and grandson running for a great cause would have made him swell with pride I'm sure."

Rob said a bonus was the fact the event was being started this year by rugby league legend, Garry Schofield.

"Garry was a player who dad admired greatly and his presence will add an extra special touch to the occasion," he added.

"We met him as a family many years ago and I'm hoping to have a word with him at the finish."

Manorlands community fundraiser, Liv Moffat, thanked the family for adding its support to the rallying call for more entries.

"Numbers at present are significantly down on previous years – due primarily to a large drop in under-18s taking part," she said.

"It's great that the Fearnleys are making it a family occasion and we hope others will follow their lead and bring out the kids to support us and have a great morning."

For more details and to enter, visit sueryder.org/bigk10k.