A KEIGHLEY woman is taking part in an annual charity walk in memory of her dad.

And Laura Hanson will be joined on the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Worth Valley by members of the Voices of Yorkshire choir, which she has been part of for four years.

Laura's father, Philip, received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice, Oxenhope, in May.

"He was at the hospice for less than 48 hours but even in that short period of time we saw what Sue Ryder is about and the exceptional care it provides," she says.

"They went above and beyond; my dad had a dog, Alfie, who he really wanted to see before he died, and they arranged for Alfie to come and visit. It meant so much to him.

"I have often thought about taking part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike. I saw it advertised on social media and decided ‘this time I’m going to do it’. I signed myself up and my two daughters, and a group from Voices of Yorkshire is going to do it too."

Laura, 42, has sung with fellow choir members at numerous events – including this year's Manorlands garden party.

She adds: "My friends at Voices of Yorkshire were amazing when my dad died. They were always there for a hug or a chat whenever I needed it. Many of them have also had family or friends supported at the hospice, so we'll be walking together to remember our loved ones.

"I have mobility issues, so completing the hike will be a personal goal for me as well. I encourage anyone who is thinking of taking part to sign up."

The hike, again being sponsored by Stirk Lambert & Co Chartered Accountants, takes place on the evening of Saturday, October 12.

A Starlight Express train on the Keighley & Worth Valley line will take the hikers to the start for a marshalled walk – following a route through villages, countryside and the Manorlands hospice grounds, where people will have the opportunity to place a poignant dedication in honour of someone special to them.

And a new addition this year is a 'donation station', where people can drop off unwanted clothes to be sold through Sue Ryder charity shops.

Participants can choose to tackle a five-kilometre or 10k walk.

For more details and to sign up, visit sueryder.org/StarlightWorthValley

To support Laura, go to justgiving.com/page/laura-hanson-1720804344698