A COMPANY has given a massive boost to Manorlands.

Guyson International has presented £6,000 to the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

The firm staged a sponsored cycle ride – to coincide with its 80th-anniversary celebrations – and an open day.

Seventeen cyclists covered a 30-mile route, which traced the company's heritage – starting from where the business originated in Leeds city centre, and heading through Kirkstall, Guiseley, Otley and Weston to Skipton, where Guyson has been based on the Snaygill Industrial Estate since 1975.

The initial fundraising target was £1,000.

But it quickly became clear the figure was going to be smashed.

Mark Viner, managing director of the firm's blast and wash divisions, said: "As the day arrived, some of the cycling team had already raised considerable sponsorship.

"In the end the cycling raised just over £2,000, which was amazing in itself, and the rest was made-up from donations and collections during the open day and through the sale of T-shirts.

"The total from the events was £2,940, and James Thomson – owner of Guyson International – had already generously agreed to match anything we raised, taking the final tally to £6,000.

"We were so pleased to be able to hand over the cheque in support of Manorlands, our nominated charity."

Tribute is paid by Molly Ralphson, a community fundraiser at the hospice.

"Everyone at Guyson has been really supportive of Manorlands by fundraising for us during the firm's 80th celebratory year," she said.

"The open day was a pleasure to attend.

"It was really well organised, everyone had a great time and it was lovely to see the cyclists finish their ride in the hot weather!"

She added: "Manorlands has to rely heavily on fundraising by local companies and individuals in order to continue providing its services, and the patients and their families are really grateful to everyone involved."

Manorlands supports people at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

For more details about fundraising for the hospice, e-mail manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.