STAFF from a Keighley accountancy firm have clocked-up the miles to raise cash for Manorlands.

A 25-strong team from Stirk Lambert & Co has together covered the distance between Keighley and Kathmandu – and raised over £7,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Employees launched their challenge at the beginning of July – cycling, running, walking, rowing and swimming.

Now they have reached their final 'destination' – Everest Base Camp in Nepal – having covered 6,469 land miles and 21 sea miles, and passed through 15 countries!

Stirk Lambert & Co is the main sponsor of Manorlands’ annual Starlight Hike.

And when the popular event – due to take place this month – was cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the company instead created the Keighley to Kathmandu challenge in a bid to recoup some of the lost funds.

Richard Stratton, partner at Stirk Lambert & Co, said: “We are made-up with the amount we have managed to raise for Manorlands.

“I know it won’t fill the massive hole that Covid-19 has unfortunately created, but if we all do our little bit hopefully the hospice will see it through to the other side.

“I keep seeing all of the fantastic challenges that individuals are undertaking and it really does make you realise just how much Manorlands is in everyone’s hearts.”

Tribute is paid to the team by Hayley Ibbotson, senior community fundraiser at Manorlands.

“We are so grateful to Stirk Lambert & Co for taking on this ambitious challenge – which has required a huge amount of determination and commitment over the last three months,” she said.

“We cannot thank them enough for the hard work they have put in and the money raised will make a real difference in helping us continue to be there for people when it matters.”

Manorlands provides palliative care and support to people with life-limiting conditions. With many fundraising events cancelled this year and no indication of how long it will be before Sue Ryder charity shops return to normal trading, the hospice anticipates a funding gap of £1.5m for this financial year.