A GP partnership is under starter's orders for its next fundraising effort in aid of Manorlands.

Modality AWC is this year supporting the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice as its chosen charity.

And the group has a team limbering up for the 17th Mascot Gold Cup, being held at Wetherby racecourse on Sunday, April 28.

Sponsored by Poundland, the event is the biggest of its kind in the world.

Mascots take part in a parade – with awards up for grabs – before the race itself, held over a furlong and with six fences to negotiate.

Modality AWC has 11 runners entered in the event, who will have names including Holycroft Hacker, Kilmeny Comet and Haworth Hurricane.

The team includes Dr Marie Watson and Dr Nick Bird, who both completed the Sue Ryder Keighley 10k in mascot costumes last month.

Dr Watson says: "Like many people, I have lost a parent to cancer, so I am delighted that my colleagues are stepping up to support Sue Ryder Manorlands."

Dr Bird said: "We hope the Mascot Gold Cup won't be as muddy and wet as it was at the Keighley 10k – we are looking forward to some good going and heavy fundraising!"

Also on the starting line will be GP and Modality AWC executive partner, Dr Brendan Kennedy, as the Long Lee Leprechaun.

He says: "We employ over 400 people locally and our team really values the support Manorlands can give patients and families at the most crucial times in life.

"We have supported Manorlands informally over the years, but we really wanted to help promote – and fundraise for – one of our vital local charities. We are delighted to be supporting the Mascot Gold Cup, which is such a great fun event in the racing calendar."

People can support the team at justgiving.com/page/bill-graham-1713179494509

Organisers hope the latest Mascot Gold Cup will see the amount raised over the years for Sue Ryder break through the £200,000 mark.

For more about the event, visit sueryder.org/mascotgoldcup

Later this year, Modality AWC will be raising further funds for Manorlands – which relies on public donations and fundraising to keep the hospice running – with a family day for healthcare staff and their families.

The Modality AWC partnership comprises a number of surgeries including Kilmeny, Farfield, Holycroft, Oakworth, Haworth, Long Lee, Silsden, Cross Hills and Fisher in Skipton. Together they serve over 87,000 patients.