A MAJOR fundraiser for Manorlands – which like many events couldn’t go ahead last year due to the pandemic – is making a return.

The Bronte Sportive cycling initiative, which two years ago attracted more than 350 entrants and raised over £19,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, returns on July 18.

And people are being urged to sign-up now.

The event – which is co-organised with the Queensbury Queens of the Mountain Women’s Cycling Club and sponsored by All Terrain Cycles – starts and finishes at Keighley College.

A choice of six Bronte-themed routes is on offer to cater for all abilities.

The longest ride – the Heathcliff – covers 93.1 miles and is recognised as one of the toughest sportives in the UK.

The next is Charlotte – at 74.5 miles – followed by Emily (50.3 miles), Anne (29.2 miles) and Branwell (23.7 miles). New for this year is a nine-mile Patrick route, which is suitable for beginners.

All the courses include Haworth’s famous Main Street and the option of a timed hill climb challenge in tribute to Chris Mitchell, who received care from Manorlands before he died in 2018.

Participants are not obliged to fundraise, but any money that is raised will help maintain the hospice’s services.

Both men and women can take part – and everyone who does will receive an exclusive medal.

Anyone raising £50 or more in sponsorship will be entered into a draw to win a prize donated by All Terrain Cycles.

Sue Ryder has been severely hit by the impact of the pandemic, with the absence of fundraising events and closure of its charity shops during lockdown having a major effect on income.

All Manorlands’ services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Andrew Wood, Manorlands community fundraising manager, said: “The Bronte Sportive is always a fun event and we’re so excited to welcome riders back to the start line after last year’s sportive had to be cancelled. The pandemic has had a huge impact on our funding and every pound raised will help us continue to be there when it matters for local people and their families.”

For more about the sportive and to sign-up, visit sueryder.org/sportive.