Mapledurham Estate was lit up with celebration and remembrance on Saturday 11 October, as 300 people took part in Sue Ryder’s annual Starlight Hike Thames Valley.
The event brought together families, friends and colleagues to walk in memory of loved ones, while raising vital funds for the national healthcare and bereavement charity.
Taking place on the grounds of the stunning estate, walkers chose between a 5k or 10k route, with many embracing the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike spirit with glitter, neon, and glow-in-the-dark accessories. The evening began with live music and a Zumba warm-up before participants set off at 6pm along the illuminated paths.
Walkers had the opportunity to reflect and make a dedication to their loved ones at the event’s special remembrance area.
This year’s hike also featured a sustainability initiative, inviting participants to donate pre-loved clothing at the on-site ‘donation station’, supporting Sue Ryder’s retail shops and reducing waste.
At the finish line, walkers were presented with medals to mark their achievement. The event is expected to raise £27,000, helping Sue Ryder continue to deliver expert palliative and bereavement support through services like Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.
Sue Soffe, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “This year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley was a fantastic evening – full of energy, reflection and community spirit. It’s always humbling to see so many people come together to walk in memory and support of Sue Ryder’s care.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our volunteers, who gave their time so generously, and to our sponsors, Azego and Holy Brook Accountants, and supporters, Mapledurham Estate, Grill Masters, Squires of Benson, Get Radio, A1 Toilet Hire, South Central Ambulance, Kathy Baldwin, Rock Choir, Happy Bee and Provide Security for helping make the event possible. Every step taken helps ensure we can continue to be there when it matters most.”
Sue Ryder’s hospice teams supported more than 8,700 people last year, both in specialist centres and in their own homes. Events like Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley help ensure that no one has to face death or grief alone.
—————–
About Sue Ryder:
At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need.
We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
Leave a Reply