A WOMAN is tackling a charity hike in tribute to the care given to her granddad by a hospice.

Albert Bower spent his final days at Manorlands, where he died in March, aged 85.

Now granddaughter Vicki Robinson,, of Cross Roads, Keighley, is taking part in the Starlight Hike, organised by the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, as a thank-you to staff.

It is the first time she has signed-up for the event, which raises thousands of pounds every year.

"Manorlands didn't just look after my granddad – but my family too," said Vicki.

"I didn't realise just how much funding the hospice needs to stay open and continue to help others.

"I do now and I'm very much looking forward to helping out.

"My heartfelt thanks go to everyone at Manorlands for making my granddad's last few days with us comfortable and peaceful."

The event – on September 30 – will begin at Oxenhope Station, where there will be music, stalls, entertainment and a warm-up.

Participants will then board the Starlight Express – courtesy of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, using a train specially re-named for the night – and travel to Oakworth, where the 10km walk will begin.

The hike will follow a marshalled route through villages and countryside back towards Oxenhope, taking in the Starlight Avenue – within the hospice grounds – where people can hang a star dedicated to the life of a loved one.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided en route, and at the finish walkers will receive a goody bag and hot sandwich.

Main sponsor of the event is Stirk Lambert & Co accountants, of Keighley.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, said the hike was set to be another fantastic event.

And she appealed for helpers to come forward.

"We are looking for volunteers to help out on the night," she added.

"If you are coming along to support your family or friends, while they are completing the walk why not join our team? There's going to be plenty of fun."

Tickets for the hike are on sale at sueryder.org/starlighthike/Manorlands, with an early-bird price of £12 for adults and £5 for under-16s until the end of this month.

For further information, contact Hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org or 01535 640431.

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 £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

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

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