SUE Ryder – which runs Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope – is urging people to get active next month.

The charity is staging its annual December Daily Dash.

People are challenged to commit to walking, jogging or running every day throughout the month.

The event was founded in 2015 and has grown in popularity over the years.

Thousands of people in the UK, and beyond, now take part.

Rachel Binns, head of fundraising at Manorlands, says: "December can be an incredibly busy and difficult month for many and so exercise might not be high on the priority list, but the Daily Dash is a great way to take some time out for yourself – whilst keeping fit and helping to improve your mental health.

"Whether you do it alone or with friends, family or your furry companion, every step you take and pound you raise this winter will help Sue Ryder to support people when it matters."

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 more than £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

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

A Sue Ryder spokesperson says: "Sandwiched between the colder months setting in and a flurry of new hobbies and routines in January, December is often a time associated with indulgence, socialising and generally less healthy habits.

"Our research has concluded that people exercise less in December due to the weather, a lack of motivation and the dark.

"With the research also revealing that nearly half of Brits feel that exercising helps with mental health and makes them feel good, we are encouraging people to banish the December blues and join in the Daily Dash."

For more details and to sign up, visit decemberdailydash.com

December also sees Sue Ryder's Winter Solstice Strider take place at the St Ives estate, Harden.

Wearing head torches for the evening run, on December 22, 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."

To enter, go to sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/winter-solstice-strider-2023