Leeds estate agents to take on 196-mile challenge in memory of much-loved colleague Sophie
A team of 170 employees from Manning Stainton and its parent company, Northern Estate Agencies Group (NEAG), are taking on a mammoth 196-mile relay race to raise money for charity in memory of their much-loved colleague, Sophie Knight, who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.
Sophie, who headed up the marketing team at NEAG, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in summer 2025. She died just a few months later, in January 2026, aged 42, and is survived by her husband, Alex, and 10-year old daughter, Agnes.
She 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 to raise more than £13,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. She went on to organise a second relay challenge in 2025, raising a further £12,000 for the charity.
Now, in tribute to Sophie and her unwavering commitment to supporting others, 170 colleagues from across Manning Stainton and NEAG will come together for a third fundraising challenge, aptly named, Relay for Sophie.
The event aims to raise £20,000 for two charities that provide vital support to people affected by terminal illnesses: St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds and the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Both organisations offer specialist services, ranging from hospice care, to providing practical guidance and emotional support to patients and families facing some of life's most difficult moments.
The relay started on Monday 13 July, Sophie’s birthday. NEAG, now part of LRG, owns Manning Stainton, Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers estate agents, and the challenge started at Mortimers’ Clitheroe branch, with participants, including Sophie’s husband and daughter, running, cycling and walking between all of the brand's 36 branches and offices over a five-day period. The race will finish at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds on Friday July 17.
Speaking about the event, Mark Manning, managing director of NEAG, 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.”
For further information on Sophie’s Relay Race and to donate, please visit Relay for Sophie - GiveWheel