TWO popular challenges have together raised over £7,500 for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

The Settle Loop Challenge gave participants the chance to walk, run or off-road-cycle a ten-mile route.

And the 3 Dales Marathon covered a 26.2-mile course.

Both started and finished at North Ribblesdale rugby union club, in Settle.

Challenge sponsors were Castleberg Outdoors and 3 Peaks Cycles.

Everyone who took part received hot food at the finish.

Organiser was Settle Manorlands Fundraising Group.

Emma Carr, for the group, says: "We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Settle Loop Challenge and 3 Dales Marathon.

"It was great to see so many walkers, runners and riders enjoying the day, all whilst raising vital funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice.

"Many thanks go to our incredible sponsors too for their support."

Sue Ryder community fundraiser, Adam Brunskill, pays tribute to all those involved in staging the events.

He says: "Events like these just wouldn't be able to happen without all the hard work and dedication from our team of amazing volunteers. On behalf of everyone at Manorlands hospice, thank you!

"The money raised means we can continue to provide care to people when they need it the most."

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

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs over £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funding.

Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

The charity has a series of further fundraising events in the pipeline.

People are invited to walk, jog or run every day next month as part of the December Daily Dash. To find out more, go to decemberdailydash.com

On December 22, the Winter Solstice Strider takes place at the St Ives estate, Harden.

Wearing head torches for the evening run, participants can choose between a 5k and 10k route.

A spokesperson said: "As usual with our solstice events, all participants receive a fantastic bespoke medal.

"The event is sponsored by Coco & Barley Dog Walking Services, and supported by STRI and St Ives Golf Club, which provide a large proportion of the free parking."

For more details and to enter, visit sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/winter-solstice-strider-2023