A BED and breakfast owner from Skipton completed a cycling challenge with a difference to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

Anne Ackroyd, who has never learned to ride a bike, set herself the task of cycling along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath from Niffany Farm in Skipton to the Slaters Arms at Bradley and back again on an adult tricycle.

With support along the way from her friends, as well as a welcome drink and generous donation from a pub landlord, Anne completed the eight miles, and raised more than £700 to support the vital work of the hospice in Oxenhope.

Anne, who is a member of the Skipton Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice Fundraising Group, said: “I wanted to start cycling with my friend once lockdown measures allowed. I knew I wouldn’t be able to learn to ride on two wheels at my time of my life, but I really wanted to get out and about. Then I decided to make the most of my personal challenge by asking for sponsorship if I could learn to ride it.”

With fundraising events cancelled for the rest of this year and no clear indication of how long it will take for Sue Ryder charity shops to return to normal trading, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice anticipates a funding gap of £1.5million for this financial year.

Molly Ralphson, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice said “It might not seem like a difficult challenge to some, but Anne has done so well with her personal challenge and we are delighted she has helped to fundraise for the hospice in the process.

“ It really is an unprecedented situation for us all at present and we are so grateful to our incredible supporters during this time. Anne’s donation will allow us to be there when it matters; giving people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.”

If you would like to contribute to Anne’s fundraising her Virgin Money Giving page is still open for donations: virginmoneygiving.com/AnneAckroyd