A Daughter Returns to Sue Ryder Keighley 10k and 5k After Running in Memory of Her Mum

Sometimes, when life gets really tough, people find surprising ways to cope. For one woman from Keighley, that unexpected source of strength was running. This year, Katy Jordan is returning to the Sue Ryder Keighley 10k and 5k, a special event held on Mother’s Day, with a story of love, loss, and incredible determination. Her experience shines a light on the amazing support that charities like Sue Ryder offer and shows how a simple run can mean so much more than just crossing a finish line.

It's a story about finding a way forward, one step at a time, in memory of someone special.

Finding strength when things get tough

Imagine juggling constant hospital visits and waiting anxiously for test results. It’s a stressful and overwhelming situation for any family. This was Katy’s reality last year as her mum, Carol, was going through cancer treatment. Looking for an escape, something to focus on that wasn't the illness, Katy decided to start running. She signed up for the Sue Ryder Keighley 5k, even though she'd never been a runner before. It turned out to be exactly what was needed. That time spent outdoors, slowly building up stamina, gave a sense of control when everything else felt chaotic. The physical challenge of running provided a mental release, a moment of calm in the storm.

Katy said:

“Training became a lifeline for me. I needed something to focus on that wasn’t hospital visits or waiting for more results. I’d never been a runner, but getting outside and building up slowly gave me moments of calm when everything else felt completely out of control.”

It’s a powerful reminder that finding an outlet, whether it’s sport, art, or music, can provide incredible strength during the hardest times. This journey wasn’t just about preparing for an event; it was about building resilience and finding a way to keep going for her family.

More than just a hospice

During the final stages of her life-limiting illness, Katy’s mum received care from the team at the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. For many, the word 'hospice' can be daunting, but the reality is often a place of incredible warmth, support, and kindness. It’s not just about medical care; it’s about providing comfort and dignity. The hospice team didn’t just look after Carol; they wrapped the entire family in a blanket of support. They understood that when a person is ill, their loved ones are on that journey with them. This holistic approach is what makes the compassionate care offered by Sue Ryder so special.

Katy explains the profound impact of this support: “I cannot put into words the compassion and kindness we received,” she said. “The staff didn’t just care for Mum, they supported all of us. Mum loved the wellbeing sessions, from meditation to tai chi, and those moments gave us precious memories at a time when joy felt hard to find.”

This highlights how the hospice provided more than treatment; it created opportunities for positive experiences and lasting memories, demonstrating a deep level of compassion that went beyond the clinical. The charity creates a safe space where a family can be a family, even in the face of profound grief.

Running through grief on Mother’s Day

Just days before last year’s race, Katy’s mum passed away. Faced with overwhelming exhaustion and grief, nobody would have blamed her for not taking part. But Katy found the strength to lace up her trainers and stand at the starting line. The event took place on Mother’s Day, making it an incredibly poignant and powerful tribute. She was running in memory of her mum, channelling her love and grief into every step. She completed the 5k, an amazing feat of emotional and physical endurance. As a fundraiser for the charity that had given her family so much, she raised an incredible £2,500.

Her motivation was simple and beautiful: “I knew I had to do it for Mum. If she could face years of treatment with strength and a smile, I could find the strength to put one foot in front of the other.” This act wasn't just about finishing a race; it was a testament to her mum's spirit and a way of honouring her memory. It shows how a community event can become a deeply personal and meaningful experience, allowing people to process their feelings while making a positive impact.

Lacing up for this year's event

This year, Katy is returning to do it all again, continuing her support for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. The event is set to take place on Sunday 15 March 2026, starting and finishing in Victoria Park, Keighley. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to come together. Participants can choose between a 5k or a 10k route, so there’s an option for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned runners. The scenic routes take in parts of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and pass by the historic East Riddlesden Hall, making it a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. The 10k route even adds a little challenge with a climb up towards Keighley Golf Club. This year's event is kindly sponsored by the Modality Partnership.

Liv Moffat, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, shared her thoughts on the importance of the event: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part in the Sue Ryder Keighley 10k and 5k. Stories like Katy’s show just how much our care means to local families. Every step taken helps us continue providing expert, compassionate care when it matters most, and we’re encouraging people to sign up now to join us on Mother’s Day this year.”

Why support matters so much

Sue Ryder is a charity that steps in during life’s most difficult moments. For over 70 years, it has been a source of strength and support for people living with a life-limiting illness and for those navigating grief. Dying and grief are things everyone will experience, but too often people feel they have to face them alone. Sue Ryder provides a reassuring hand to hold, offering everything from end-of-life care to bereavement support. The charity understands that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to coping with loss.

Alongside providing care, the charity also runs a campaign to break down the social barriers around talking about death and grief. It’s a difficult topic, but being more open about it helps everyone to be better prepared and better able to support each other. Every person who signs up for an event like the Keighley 10k, and every pound raised by a fundraiser, helps Sue Ryder continue its vital work. It ensures another family can receive the kindness and compassionate care they need, just like Katy’s did.