THREE friends have set themselves a Christmas Challenge to raise essential funds for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

Sue Wood, of Denton, Janet Sharpe, of Ilkley and Jill Riley, of Addingham, plan to walk 100km by Christmas and are looking for sponsorship to keep them moving.

The keen walkers started the challenge at the weekend with an 11.2k walk over Langbar Moor and plan to keep moving until they reach their target.

They said: “We are friends who through our lives have all experienced family bereavements. The work of this local hospice has been there to support us all during these often challenging times.

“Lockdown, PPE and visitor restrictions did not stop Sue Ryder. They kept on caring because people like us care too.

“With less income from their shops and many fundraising events cancelled this year, they already have £2m less coming in each month than they need to keep running at full capacity.

“In this unprecedented year, Manorlands Hospice is facing an end-of-life care crisis the likes of which they never seen before. Sue Ryder Nurses and healthcare staff are needed more than ever at a time when they simply do not have enough funding.

“We thank you in advance for any support you can give us.”

The trio have a target to raise £1,000.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christmas-challenge

Manorlands Hospice would prefer all donations to come through the JustGiving page. However, if you prefer to send a cheque payable to ‘Sue Ryder Manorlands’ this can be sent to: Fiona Wood 10, Denton Road, Ilkley. LS29 0AA.

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is in Oxenhope, near Keighley. As well as expert palliative care, the hospice supports people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, working across Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven, and North Bradford. All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £10,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.