Midnight walk challenge for Maxine

David, right, will walk 13 miles in memory of his mum Maxine, left.

Emma Ryan, 34, of Mixenden, and David Sutcliffe, 36, Holmfield, lost their mother Maxine Noel earlier this year to lung cancer and are taking part in the seventh annual Midnight Walk on September 13, starting from the North Bridge Leisure Centre.

The pair are walking the mega-marathon challenge to show their support for the Overgate Hospice - the place where Maxine spent her final months.

The pair will have added motivation for this special walk to raise much needed funds for the Hospice.

Emma, said: “It will be a hard walk for me and the children but the reasons behind us doing the walk will keep us going on the night.

“My son and brother did the walk while mum was in Overgate and I was pregnant at the time so could not do the walk due to my health so I stayed with mum on the night and told her I would do it this year.

“My mum was a strong woman and fought for nearly two years to stay with us and by my side to watch me give birth,” added Emma, who was induced before her due date so her mum could meet her granddaughter, Ava Maxine.

While the walk will be a challenge for the duo but David is excited for the opportunity to “give back.”

“My mother spent many weeks receiving first class care and treatment from the wonderful staff at Overgate.

“It is more than a worthwhile cause as nowadays most people in Calderdale have been affected by terminal illness in one form or another,” David added.