Runners and walkers are being invited to take part in a five-mile fundraiser in aid of Manorlands Hospice on the longest day of the year.
The sixth annual Solstice Saunter will take place on Tuesday 21 June, with people of all ages and abilities running, sauntering or walking the circular route along the riverside and beautiful woodland paths of the Bolton Abbey estate.
Organised by the Airedale Dodgers Running Club, the event raises funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope near Keighley, which provides expert palliative care, advice and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition, as well as supporting their families. Since its inception, it has raised around £120,000.
JB Springs of Skipton is sponsoring the saunter for the fifth consecutive year, alongside a new headline sponsor - Silsden-based Ecology Building Society, which has been working with organisers to make this year’s event completely free of single-use plastic water bottles.
Ian Rigarlsford, External Affairs Manager at Ecology, said: “Team Ecology has been taking part since 2017 and this year we hope more colleagues will get involved as runners, walkers or volunteers, supporting the amazing work of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. We’re especially thrilled that our sponsorship is helping to reduce single-use plastic and hope that this sets the standard for other events. Good luck and best wishes to everybody participating and raising money for this excellent cause.”
Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Manorlands, said: “There’s always an electric atmosphere at the Solstice Saunter and it provides a fun and unique way to come together and welcome in the summer – as well as enjoy the stunning route set against the backdrop of the solstice sunset. What’s more, every pound raised will help Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice continue to provide more care for more people in our community during the most difficult times of their lives.”
The Solstice Saunter starts at 7.30pm and everyone who takes part will receive a bespoke medal and free all-day parking at Bolton Abbey estate. There is also a virtual entry option so participants anywhere in the country can run a five mile route of their choice on the longest day to support Sue Ryder.
To register, visit sueryder.org/solsticesaunter.
