MANORLANDS has issued a plea for people to form new fundraising groups – or join an existing one – to support the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Currently there are 12 groups across West and North Yorkshire, which together normally coin-in around £150,000 a year through a variety of activities.

Fundraising has been severely hit during the past 15 months by the pandemic, but the volunteers have still collectively boosted the hospice coffers by over £20,000.

There have been virtual running and cycling events and activities such as bake sales and afternoon teas, when restrictions have allowed.

One group member, Lucy Knowles, organised a series of in-car treasure hunts last summer.

“My grandad was cared for at Manorlands and joining a group gave me a way to support the hospice more proactively rather than just putting money in a tin or buying a raffle ticket,” she said.

“I would highly recommend joining a fundraising group – whether you have retired and have some more time on your hands, or you want to volunteer and try something new. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friendships, all while raising vital funds for a good cause. You can give as much or as little time as you like – every little helps.”

Manorlands community fundraising manager, Andrew Wood, said that after the challenges posed by the pandemic the hospice needed communities’ support “more than ever”.

“Our fantastic local fundraising groups play a very important role in helping us to raise much-needed funds,” he added.

“We would love people to come forward and start new fundraising groups anywhere where we don’t presently have them. But we are particularly looking for people in Oakworth who want to meet new folk, have fun and help us to be there when it matters. All groups will be supported every step of the way by our fundraising team.”

For further information about joining or setting-up a fundraising group, email andrew.wood@sueryder.org.

More about the services provided by Manorlands can be found at sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/sue-ryder-manorlands-hospice.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale, plus parts of Bradford.