A MEETING of sponsors has marked the official launch of this year’s Keighley BigK 10K.

The annual event, in aid of Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands, once again takes place on Mother’s Day – which this year falls on March 31.

Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre and Colin Appleyard are returning as sponsors.

And they will be joined by Holroyds Estate Agents and Keybury Fire & Security.

Representatives gathered at Cliffe Castle as the countdown got underway to the extravaganza, now in its 12th year.

The 10k starts and finishes at Victoria Park, and follows a multi-terrain route around the town.

An ‘early-bird’ entry of £13 for adults and £8 for children is available until midnight next Thursday (Feb 28).

There is also a cut-price fee for teams of five, to encourage businesses, schools, GP surgeries and organisations such as clubs and gyms – as well as groups of family and friends – to take part.

Teams can display company banners in the park and will receive special mentions from the event commentator.

“We hope people take advantage of the early-bird offer,” said Manorlands community fundraiser, Liv Moffat.

“We’re really pleased to be working with the Airedale Shopping Centre and Colin Appleyard again – and delighted at our two new sponsors, Holroyds and Keybury.”

The 10K will start at 9am, but entrants should arrive at Victoria Park by 8.20am to register and collect their timing chip.

There is also a 5K, which sets off from Lund Park at 9.15am.

All finishers will receive a technical T-shirt, and mums will be given a red carnation.

The event has grown into a major fixture on the Manorlands fundraising calendar – last year’s attracted 1,100 participants and coined-in £50,000.

To enter, visit sueryder.org/bigk10k.

Further information can be obtained by e-mailing liv.moffat@sueryder.org or calling 01535 640430.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families 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.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.