A POPULAR nighttime walk in support of Manorlands will take place again this year.

The Starlight Hike, which has become a major fixture on the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice’s fundraising calendar, is planned for Saturday, October 9.

Participants will assemble at Oxenhope Station.

A special Starlight Express train provided by the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will then take the hikers to the start for a ten-kilometre marshalled walk – following a route through villages, countryside and the Manorlands grounds.

The main event sponsor once again is Stirk Lambert and Co Accountants.

Organisers are hoping hundreds of people will lace-up their trainers for the event, to remember loved ones and coin-in desperately-needed cash for the hospice.

The section through the Manorlands grounds will, as in previous years, include an opportunity to walk along the Starlight Avenue – an area for quiet reflection.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, said: “The Starlight Hike promises to be an incredibly special event and we hope people will be able to join us.

“Not only will it allow supporters to raise vital funds, but it will be a chance to come together to celebrate, remember and talk about loved ones who are no longer with us.

“A wholehearted ‘thank you’ goes to our sponsor, Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants. This is the fifth year the team has sponsored the Starlight Hike and we are extremely grateful for its ongoing support.

“The money raised through the hike will enable our doctors, nurses and staff to continue to provide compassionate and expert care and help us fill someone’s last days with love.”

Richard Hudson, partner at Stirk Lambert & Co Accountants, said the company was “really proud” to be supporting the event again.

He added: “Manorlands is a cause that is close to many people’s hearts in the local community.

“We hope lots of walkers will step out for a very special night and help to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder’s care.”

To enter the hike, visit sueryder.org/manorlandshike.

People unable to take part are being urged instead to organise their own ‘Walk to Remember’, following a five or ten-kilometre route of their choice anytime next month.

Hayley added: “Sue Ryder research has found that more than two thirds of the British public have a special place they visit to remember a loved one who has died. Make it your own Walk to Remember by deciding your start and finish line and a route that means something to you.”

For more about Manorlands fundraising activities, email manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640430.