A FINANCIAL services company is preparing to take part once again in a major Manorlands fundraiser – which this year has gone virtual.

Morses Club teams are participating in the annual Keighley 10k and 5k for the third time.

But for company secretary Dave Belmont, it will be his ninth appearance in the event.

He previously participated over many years with colleagues from his former employer, Acorn Stairlifts at Steeton.

Mr Belmont said: “Despite Morses Club being based at Birstall, last year 15 of my colleagues came from all over Yorkshire to take part.

“This year, owing to Covid-19, the event has been changed into a virtual one – with participants organising their own courses over the August bank holiday weekend – which means that colleagues will be taking part as far away as Birmingham and Bridlington.”

Team members will include Stephen Jones, whose father received treatment at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice more than 20 years ago – when Stephen was just seven.

“Not only did Manorlands help my dad during his final days but they also provided bereavement counselling for mum and myself,” he said. “They helped me to realise that I was not the only child going through the pain of losing a parent.”

Last year, Morses Club received an award for its fundraising at the event – coining-in £5,000. Team members have already raised £6,500 in sponsorship this time

Liv Moffat, Manorlands community fundraiser, said: “We are delighted that Morses Club is taking part in the 10k and 5k event once again, having raised nearly £10,000 for us in the last two years. Each year, we help over 850 people just like Stephen and his family, and this money makes a huge difference to us.”

This year’s Keighley 10k and 5k should have taken place as normal on Mother’s Day, but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and rescheduled for August 31.

Now it is taking place virtually over the August bank holiday weekend, when participants can run or walk a 10k or 5k route of their choice. All those who take part will receive a medal and can, if they wish, have their time recorded on a leader board.

For more details, visit sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/virtual-keighley-10k-5k.