MANORLANDS is gearing-up for a popular annual event which gives people the chance to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

The Starlight Hike includes a poignant, lit section through the grounds of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice itself.

This year the fundraising walk takes place on Saturday, September 29.

The event will again feature the Starlight Express, courtesy of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

And Keighley-based Stirk Lambert and Co Accountants is repeating its backing as main hike sponsor.

The event will start at Oxenhope Station, where participants will be able to take part in a warm-up and enjoy entertainment, including stalls and music.

They will then board the Starlight Express – courtesy of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway – to Oakworth, where the walk itself begins.

Walkers will follow a marshalled, 10km route.

Among those taking part is Helen Moffat, who participated for the first time last year after the hospice cared for her father-in-law.

She said: “I did it with two of my daughters, their friend, my sister and niece.

“We enjoyed it so much we’ve decided to do it again.

“The Starlight Avenue in the grounds gave us time to pause and reflect on our loss as a family. It was a quiet time of contemplation, with people going through similar emotions and experiences.

“The most enjoyable thing about the Starlight Hike is the camaraderie. Everyone is there to support their loved ones and the hospice. Also, we enjoyed spending time together as a family.”

Hayley Ibbotson – senior community fundraiser at Manorlands – said the hike this year would retain many elements but that there were also some changes, including new medals and T-shirts.

She added: “It’s lovely that Helen and her family have chosen to take part again after enjoying last year so much.

“Taking in the hospice grounds on the night has become a really important moment that we get great feedback on. We’ve tried to improve on this even more for this year’s walk to make it extra special for everyone.

“Following feedback from participants, this year people can guarantee a place on the first train of the evening by selecting the ‘super early bird’ option.

“The Starlight Hike is the biggest event in the Manorlands fundraising calendar and the funds raised through sponsorship are absolutely vital to our care services, both at the hospice and in the community.”

All Manorlands 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.

Early-bird entry to the hike costs £12 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

To enter, visit sueryder.org/manorlands/starlighthike.

More details can be obtained by e-mailing Hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or calling 01535 640431.