Leeds estate agency team launches 196-mile charity relay in memory of much-loved colleague

A team of 170 employees at Leeds-based estate agent Manning Stainton and its parent company are taking on a mammoth 196-mile relay race to raise money for charity in memory of their much-loved colleague, who died earlier this year.

Sophie Knight, who headed up the marketing team at parent company Northern Estate Agencies Group (NEAG), was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the summer of 2025.

She sadly died just a few months later, in January 2026, aged 42. She is survived by her husband, Alex, and their 10-year-old daughter, Agnes.

Sophie was the driving force behind the estate agency group's first Coffee Cup Relay Race in 2023, which saw colleagues run, walk and cycle more than 180 miles between branches. It raised more than £13,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support, while the following year it raised a further £12,000.

Paying tribute to their colleague and her unwavering commitment to charity, 170 colleagues from across the estate agency group have come together for a third challenge, Relay for Sophie, which had already raised more than £21,000 at the time of publication.

The relay began on Monday, July 13, Sophie's birthday, in Clitheroe, with participants, including Sophie's husband and daughter, running, cycling and walking between all 36 of the group's branches and offices over a five-day period.

The race will finish at St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds on Friday, July 17.

Remembering his former colleague, NEAG and Manning Stainton managing director Mark Manning described Sophie as a much-loved colleague and friend who “brought energy, positivity and passion to everything she did” and “cared deeply about helping others”.

He said: “We were all devastated to lose Sophie. She was a much-loved colleague and friend who brought energy, positivity and passion to everything she did, and she cared deeply about helping others.

“The relay challenges were something Sophie was incredibly proud of, so it felt only right that we continue that tradition in her memory.

“Relay for Sophie is our way of celebrating her life, honouring her legacy and supporting two charities that make a real difference to people affected by terminal illness.

“We’re incredibly proud of everyone taking part and hope to raise as much money as possible for these two worthy causes.”

Katie Bell, corporate fundraising manager at St Gemma's Hospice, added: “We are so grateful to the team at Manning Stainton for choosing to support St Gemma's Hospice through this remarkable challenge.

“Relay for Sophie is a wonderful tribute to someone who clearly touched the lives of so many people, and it is inspiring to see colleagues coming together in her memory.

“Every mile covered and every pound raised will help us continue providing expert care and support to local patients and their families when they need it most. We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”