A PARTNER at a Keighley accountancy firm has spoken of his heartfelt reasons for wanting to support Manorlands.

Richard Hudson, of Stirk Lambert & Co, lost his wife Helen to cancer earlier this year.

She was cared for at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, where she died – aged 40 – in February.

Stirk Lambert is the headline sponsor of this year's Manorlands Starlight Hike.

Mr Hudson said: "As a family we have seen at first-hand the wonderful care Sue Ryder provided both during Helen's illness and following her death, when the ongoing support – especially for our young daughters – has been invaluable.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to help raise funds to try to ensure these services continue to be available to others and an event like the Starlight Hike means that all ages can get involved and have some fun at the same time."

His daughter and father-in-law took part in the hike last year, raising nearly £3,000 in sponsorship.

And Stirk Lambert has a growing group of staff signing-up to participate in this year's event, on September 3.

Catherine Hill – also a partner at the firm – is already heavily involved with Manorlands as a member of the challenge committee, which organises a series of corporate fundraising events throughout the year.

Hayley Ibbotson, a senior fundraiser at the hospice, paid tribute to the firm.

"Stirk Lambert has been a great supporter of Manorlands for many years so it's such a boost to us for the firm to extend its backing even further by sponsoring the hike," she said.

"We rely heavily on people raising sponsorship by taking part in the event, so to have the added value of Stirk Lambert sponsoring the hike overall makes such a difference.

"It will be great to see the company's team on the night and I look forward to working with them more closely on this fantastic event."

The evening will begin at Oxenhope Station, where there will be music, stalls, entertainment and a warm-up.

Participants will then board the Starlight Express – one of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway's steam trains specially re-named for the night – and travel to Oakworth, where the 10km walk will begin.

The hike will follow a marshalled route through Oakworth and Haworth and back towards Oxenhope, taking in the Starlight Avenue – within the hospice grounds – where people can hang a star dedicated to the life of a loved one.

At the finish, walkers will receive a goody bag and hot sandwich.

Registration for the hike is now open and there is a cut-price fee of £12, compared to the normal £18, until the end of next month.

Under-16s can enter for £5.

Visit sueryder.org/starlighthike/manorlands or call 01535 640430 for more details and to register.