A SIXTH annual Solstice Saunter is set to take place this summer in support of Manorlands.

The event – scheduled for the evening of Saturday, June 21 – will be the first ‘live’ mass-participation fundraiser for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice since 2019.

Airedale Dodgers Running Club is organising the venture, in which participants are invited to run, saunter or walk a five-mile route around the Bolton Abbey estate.

Sponsorship is provided by JB Springs.

Since the Saunter was first held in 2016, it has raised over £75,000 for Manorlands.

When the event couldn’t go ahead in its usual format last year due to the Covid restrictions, a virtual alternative was staged instead. And a first-ever Winter Solstice Saunter was held, also virtually. Together they coined-in £38,000.

Andrew Wood, community fundraising manager at Manorlands, says: “Our ability to fundraise has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and we’re so grateful to the Airedale Dodgers for continuing to support us through these difficult times.

“If everything goes to plan in terms of the lifting of Covid restrictions, this year’s Solstice Saunter will be our first real-life mass-participation event for 19 months and a great way to celebrate the day we return to some normality!”

The event starts at 7.30pm.

Everyone who takes part will receive a bespoke medal and registration includes free all-day parking at the Bolton Abbey estate.

For further information and to sign-up, visit racebest.com/races/solsticesaunter.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community. It costs £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.