FINAL preparations are being made for a major annual fundraiser in aid of Manorlands.

Organisers are in the home straight as the hospice gets set for the Keighley BigK 10K run and walk, on Mothering Sunday, March 31.

The event is on course for a bumper turnout, with just over 1,000 people having signed-up.

Online entries are open until noon on Wednesday, and people can enter on the day.

“We’d love to get around 1,200 taking part – that would be fantastic,” says Liv Moffat, a fundraiser at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

“It would be great to see as many supporters as possible along the route, too, to cheer on the runners.

“There’s always a great atmosphere at the event.”

In its 11-year history, the BigK has raised over £400,000 for Manorlands.

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

It takes in parks, paths and roads.

The 10k begins at 9am, but entrants should arrive at the 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 in celebration of Mothering Sunday, mums will be given a red carnation.

Medals will be awarded to winners in several categories.

Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre and Colin Appleyard are returning as sponsors, and they are being joined this year by Holroyds Estate Agents and Keybury Fire & Security.

The official starter will be popular former teacher, Rodney Fletcher.

He taught PE at the old Bronte Middle School in Keighley.

Mr Fletcher said he was honoured to be invited to perform the role.

He added: “I’m hoping to see as many former pupils as possible turning out for a great local cause.

“A note from your mum or forgetting your kit will be no excuse for not taking part!”

Online entry to the event is £16 for adults and £10 for under-18s. Entry on the day will be £20 for adults, with the U18 fee being pegged at £10.

For more details, visit sueryder.org/bigk10k, e-mail liv.moffat@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.

A team of volunteers is helping out on the day, and anyone else interested in giving support would be welcome. They should contact Liv.

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.