A weekly newspaper editor is set to take on the London Marathon next year to support his paper’s £1m fundraising campaign for a local hospice.

Richard Parker, who edits the Keighley News, will take on the marathon challenge to raise funds for the title’s Millions for Manorlands campaign.

The campaign was started to support the Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice in Oxenhope and ensure it remains open by raising £1m to help cover its running costs for a year.

Richard will compete in the team of runners for Sue Ryder at the London Marathon next April and must raise a minimum of £1,750 to take part.

Said Richard:  “I’m so proud the Keighley News is supporting Manorlands, which is a truly inspiring charity.

“It touches the lives of thousands of people throughout our catchment area, and I desperately hope we hit our fundraising target by April to ensure this superb service continues to provide the wonderful care it has become renowned for.

“Our readers have really rallied to the call, and we’re not far off reaching the half-way point already thanks to their incredible generosity. But when I’m asking them to dig deep in these difficult economic times, I felt it was important I also did ‘my bit’ for the cause.

“Quite frankly, I’m scared stiff by the challenge in front of me, but that pales into insignificance compared to the courage shown by the Manorlands staff and their patients day in, day out. That will be my inspiration on those cold, wet mornings pounding along the roads to get fit.”

Richard started his career nearly 20 years ago at the Leamington Spa Courier series and has also worked for the Rutland Times, Bourne and Deepings Local and Selby Times.

He can be sponsored at his Virgin Money Giving page.