A 14-STRONG group has completed a gruelling trek in support of Manorlands.

The team took on the Tour Du Mont Blanc, raising more than £60,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Participants signed up to remember loved ones, and mark Manorlands' 50th anniversary.

Amongst those taking part in the three-day Alpine challenge was Gary Knapton, 60, from Harden, whose wife Sam was cared for at the hospice.

"Sam was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2018," he says.

"She stopped working and immediately used her time to help others, from volunteering at Manorlands to helping out with fundraising.

"When I could no longer care for Sam at home, she moved into Manorlands. She was in there 12 days before she died. For those 12 days I was able to be her husband again and not her carer, and could arrange for other family and friends to come and see her."

Following Sam's death, Gary decided he wanted to give something back to the hospice, and as a lifelong hiking enthusiast the trek seemed the ideal challenge.

"It was quite tough but enjoyable," he says. "We had a great group and a shared focus of raising money as well as talking about and remembering the people we love. With kind donations from friends and family, as well as money Sam left, we have raised just over £5,000 through the trek and over £10,000 in total since she died. I know Sam would be really proud of me for continuing to support Manorlands."

Trekkers also included Eleanor Formby, from Oakworth.

The 47-year-old decided to take part after her partner Jo received end-of-life care at Manorlands in September last year.

Eleanor says: "I moved into the hospice with Jo during her final days, and when I was staying there I saw the trek advertised. After Jo died, I decided to sign up because of how much Manorlands had done, not just for Jo but for me. From a community nurse visiting in the early days to free grief counselling I received afterwards, Sue Ryder helped with everything."

She adds: "I'd never been to the Alps before and was blown away by how beautiful they are. The act of walking is so therapeutic, especially walking with people who all have a connection to the cause.

"The trek was emotionally charged and physically challenging, but equally so rewarding.

"I feel proud to have raised over £4,700."