Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Chaka Khan & Snoop Dogg

Boogie's In My Soul

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

Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.