A MOTHER-of-two is setting out with her youngest daughter on the Starlight Hike in memory of her beloved husband.

Hannah French is taking part in the Sue Ryder walk with daughter Ruby, aged three, to raise money for the hospice that cared for her husband Jimmy.

The hike, this year being held on Saturday, September 29, gives participants the chance to remember loved ones whilst supporting the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

All places on the hike are now taken, but the charity is still looking for marshals to help on the night.

Hannah said: “Two and a half years ago I lost my one-in-a-million husband, and my baby girl Ruby and her big sister Abbie, now eight, lost their truly amazing daddy.

“Pancreatic cancer is known as the silent killer as the symptoms are so easily misdiagnosed; especially when you’re an otherwise fit and healthy 36 years old.

“Manorlands hospice played a big part in the journey. They not only nursed Jimmy in his last month and allowed me and my mother-in-law to stay too, but in the six months following his diagnosis they helped with pain control and offered support to all the family where needed.

“Walking in the hospice was as near to being at home as you could be. Abbie used to call it her Daddy’s posh and special hospital because she got to make her own drinks in the family kitchen and choose books to read and colour in.

“The doctors and nurses showed so much care and compassion and although a hospice was the last place he wanted to spend his last days, he was happy to be so well looked after.

“Especially when at the hospice they made dinners and desserts that were probably better than the ones I cooked at home.

“Ruby and I did the Keighley 10k when she was 6 months old, but the Starlight Hike is one that I have backed out of twice now as I know that the walk through the grounds will bring back such a mixture of memories, all of which are treasured. This year is our year to achieve what we didn’t do last year.

“We want to raise every penny we can so please donate and help us meet our target.”

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/hannah-french7 to help with Hannah’s fundraising.

The event, which welcomes people of all ages, will once again feature the ‘Starlight Express’, giving participants the chance to enjoy a ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Hayley Ibbotson, Senior Community Fundraiser for Manorlands, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming people on the night. We also need volunteers to help on the night. If you can help or know anyone who can, please do get in touch”.

Email hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or call 01535 640431 with offers of help.