A HAWORTH man is taking on a 24-hour walking challenge in memory of his father – and to raise funds for the hospice that cared for him.

Richard Stuttard aims to walk 40 miles – along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath – from Riddlesden to East Marton, near Skipton, and back.

He is raising cash for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands, which cared for his late father David, who died in May, aged 70.

“The care provided by the whole team at Manorlands during the five weeks my dad was there was absolutely amazing and I genuinely do not know what we would have done without them,” said Richard, who is 40 just before the challenge – which takes place on Saturday, July 25.

“It was not just medical and practical care, but incredible emotional care shown to both my dad and to me during an unbelievably sad time.

“The most positive thing I feel I can do is try to raise some desperately-needed money to help keep the hospice running. The Covid-19 crisis is having a devastating impact on its funding and I would be extremely grateful for any donations to this important cause.”

Richard has set-up an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-stuttard, and has already raised £3,000.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands, pays tribute.

“We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Richard for taking on this incredible fundraising challenge in memory of his dad,” she said.

“During this challenging time we urgently need ongoing public support to continue to be there when it matters for patients and their loved ones.”

Sue Ryder was forced to close its shops and cancel fundraising events due to the pandemic.

Manorlands, which relies on public donations, anticipates a funding gap of £1.5 million for this financial year.