IT’S BACK to the Starlight for Susan Jolliffe and her two daughters Chloe and Lucy as they raise money for Manorlands.

The trio are again taking part in the annual Starlight Hike to raise money for the Sue Ryder hospice on September 3.

Mum and daughters have participated in the night-time walk on the Brontëland moors many times before and are keen to boost the fundraising total yet again.

Susan said: “We signed up for our first Starlight Hike four years ago, and have completed it every year since.

“Originally, we signed up purely because we wanted to support Manorlands, which was very kind and supportive when my mum needed their care. It was there for the whole family and now we want to help it back.

“The whole event is great fun, starting with the music and warm-ups to the face painting and 'Starlight Avenue', which is so pretty and special.

“Our favourite part is walking with friends and all the fun and chatter, feeling proud to support such a great place. It is in our diary for this year!’’

The event starts and finishes at the Oxenhope railway station, where there will be a warm-up and various types of entertainment.

Hikers will board the Starlight Express and be taken to Oakworth station, where they will alight and start the 10km walk.

The hike takes in the surrounding areas, including the grounds of Manorlands, where participants will walk through the popular Starlight Avenue and have a chance to hang a star in memory of loved ones.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior fundraiser at Manorlands, said the Starlight Hike is a great way to get the community together, have some fun and support the hospice to raise vital funds.

For the first time, Keighley accountants Stirk Lambert & Co is sponsoring the event and will be the main supporter.

Until July, tickets to take part cost £12 instead of the later price of £18. Under-16s can enter for £5.

Proceeds will be spent on the specialist care and support provided by Manorlands staff to patients and their families.

Sue Ryder care services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs the charity about £9,000 a day to keep the hospice running, and only part of these costs are covered by statutory funds.

Visit sueryder.org/starlighthike/manorlands, contact Hayley Ibbotson on 01535 640431 or e-mail hayley.ibbotson@sueryder.org for further information about how to take part in the Starlight Hike.

l See page 30 for this week's featured Manorlands stories