Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Dua Lipa

Houdini

Listen Live

Harrogate woman to run 24-hour mountain loop in memory of brother

Thursday, 23 October 2025 08:13

Layla Hirst is taking on an epic fundraising challenge.

A Harrogate woman is taking on a gruelling 24-hour mountain running challenge in memory of her late brother.

Layla Hirst will be running continuous loops of Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales to raise funds for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters.

The challenge will run from 7pm tomorrow (Friday) to 7pm on Saturday 25th October.

She’ll be aiming to complete as many circuits as possible of the 9.3 kilometre route, which includes a 1,600-foot climb.

Layla’s brother, Aidan, was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and sadly died at the age of 16.

She said that Candlelighters played a crucial role in supporting her family throughout his illness:

“Every year over 150 children are diagnosed with cancer. Our lives were turned around when one of those children was my brother.

“Candlelighters helped support our family through Aidan’s cancer - they provide emotional, physical and financial support to families like ours and bring hope through vital research.”

The charity, which receives no government funding, provides a range of services to families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire, from hospital support and family breaks to funding research and equipment.

Layla added:

“Candlelighters even bought Aidan a new laptop while he was in hospital to help take his mind off treatment.

“They rely entirely on donations, so I wanted to do something meaningful to give back.”

Layla is encouraging others to join her for a loop or two over the 24-hour period and is appealing for donations to help her fundraising effort.

Donations can be made through her JustGiving page here: justgiving.com/page/layla-hirst-1

LISTEN: Layla spoke to Your Harrogate's George Dickson about her challenge:

More from Local News

Harrogate Fundraiser to share story of 9,000-mile unsupported bike ride to the himalayas

When Harrogate resident Thorsten Bruce set off on his new touring bicycle last spring, he wasn’t setting out to break records, rather to raise funds for charity and to avoid regretting never having tried.
Harrogate pupils achieve distinctions across the board in drama exams

Pupils at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after being awarded the highest marks possible in their drama exams – for the second consecutive year.
Harrogate hospital shortlisted for two national awards

A care provider which runs Cygnet Hospital Harrogate has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s HealthInvestor Awards.
Hampsthwaite school goes red to support children’s heart charity

Pupils and staff at Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School have taken part in a Wear Red Day to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrade reaches new milestone

The project aims to transform Studio Two at the venue to create larger breakout conference rooms.
Harrogate IT company visits local school to educate pupils on sustainability

Harrogate-based IT company Techbuyer has delivered a sustainability workshop at St Aidan's CE High School to educate the next generation about electronic waste.
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver nominated for Manager of the Month

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has been nominated for the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award for February.
Harrogate swimmer awarded prestigious scholarship

A young Harrogate swimmer has been awarded a prestigious regional scholarship recognising some of the most promising talent in British swimming.
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign

Communities are being encouraged to get involved in a national litter-picking initiative aimed at keeping North Yorkshire clean and tidy.
Harrogate's Turkish Baths named 'Day Spa of the Year'

Harrogate's Turkish Baths has been named Day Spa of the Year at the 14th English Hair & Beauty Awards 2026 (North Edition).
Police appeal after racially offensive drawings made in Harrogate

Police have launched an appeal following racially aggravated behaviour in Harrogate.
Popular Harrogate music festival shortlisted for national award

A popular music festival held on the Stray in Harrogate has been shortlisted for a national award.
Saint Michael's first ever 10km run raises £50,000

Saint Michael’s Hospice has raised more than £50,000 from its first ever Harrogate 5km and 10km running event.
Harrogate's Lottie McGuinness wins bronze at European Championships

Harrogate weightlifter Lottie McGuinness secured a bronze medal at the European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia yesterday (Sunday).
The Harrogate care home taking residents on a trip down memory lane

Residents at a Harrogate home went on a trip down memory lane on a recent trip to York's national railway museum.
Harrogate men encouraged to find their voice in new charity choir

A brand new, standalone charity project is now recruiting in the Harrogate area - to bring local men together whilst also fundraising for men's mental health.
Harrogate's Lottie McGuinness to compete in European Championships this weekend

Harrogate para powerlifter Lottie McGuinness will represent Great Britain at the European Championships this weekend.
Harrogate Mayor's chain too valuable to be worn without bodyguard

A gold mayoral chain encrusted with diamonds, pearls and emeralds will only be used on special occasions after councillors heard the mayor would need protection from a bodyguard to wear it.
Two weeks left to nominate for Local Hero Awards 2026

There are now just two weeks left to nominate someone for this year's 2026 Local Hero Awards.
Route revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run 2026

The route has been revealed for the 2026 Knaresborough Tractor Run ahead of its return this weekend.