Shares Sian Hart, 50, from Abbeydale in Gloucester as she prepared to step out for her eighth Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham in memory of her childhood friend, Catherine.
Sian’s best friend Catherine Kadodia died in 2015 aged just 41. She spent her final days being cared for by the expert team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice near Cheltenham.
Now, in the pair’s 50th birthday year, Sian will once again lace up her trainers on the evening of Saturday 12 October for the charity’s annual 10k walk under the stars.
“Catherine and I met when I was nine years old when I moved from Cheltenham to Brockworth. We walked together to primary school every day, then went on to secondary school together and remained friends into adulthood,” shared Sian.
“She was the kindest most generous person. She had the best laugh and smile – even after she died people would talk about her giggle. Every time I think of her, I smile too. She was a nurse as a profession and looked after people more than anyone I have ever known.
“The care Catherine received at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice was amazing. The staff were so kind and loving to her and supportive to her family and friends too. When we went in to say goodbye to Catherine, they let us have time and space together. The hospice grounds are beautiful and the nicest place to visit still now,” Sian added.
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham, sponsored by Capita and supported by Creed Foodservice and in2print, sets off from Ashley Manor Preparatory School starting with music from i-Sing and a fun Clubbercise warm-up before walkers set off on a family-friendly 10k route around the town, with live entertainment along the way.
“The first time I took part in the Starlight Hike it was quite daunting and emotional, but I was immediately overwhelmed by the sense of the community that you get from being with a group of people who have been affected by the loss of a loved one, and despite the emotion and pain, the event galvanised positivity from the outset.
“You can see from the writing on everyone’s backs who they are thinking about, yet you have families, dogs, and people walking on their own or in groups who want to do something positive to give something back to the charity that has not just taken care of their loved ones but seen them for who they are.
“It’s an event for everyone. It’s not a marathon or mountainous it’s inclusive of all abilities. I think it’s the kind of thing Catherine would have done herself,” Sian continues.
As part of the hike, there is an opportunity for participants to pass through the tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and place a star in memory of someone they love and miss.
“Some people choose to walk through the hospice and some people can’t as it’s too much for them – the option is theirs – but for me as soon as I hit the driveway and see the festoon lights the event changes into something personal,” said Sian.
“The emotions come flooding back, then I have a cup of tea, walk around the lake, and can feel ok again, placing my star I find the feelings of grief return before I start the hike again. It’s almost symbolic of the grief process – I can feel ok for a while then sad again.
“I think it was the first time I took part in the hike I got very emotional as I walked up the hospice drive and a woman just hugged me. I will never forget it and I have never appreciated anything more in that moment. It was special.”
When Sian first took part in Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham, she stepped out with a friend who had also been affected by the loss of a loved one, but since then her daughter has joined her, and this year her son will take part too.
“It’s incredible that I will be taking on the hike with my son and daughter this year because hopefully it means that our contribution to the event will continue beyond me and future generations will continue to honour Catherine in this way.
“It’s not something you do once, I think as soon as you have experienced how special it is it’s something you will return to each year,” says Sian.
Over the years, Sian has raised nearly £2200 so that Sue Ryder can continue to be there for families when it matters. This year she hopes she can add to that total.
“Howden Life and Health, the company I work for has said they will match whatever I raise this year so that’s brilliant.
“I just want as many people as much as possible to support Sue Ryder. I know how much the charity needs our community to help as they get very little in the way of funding to support their services.
“I would like to encourage anyone thinking about signing up for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham to do it, you won’t regret it. It’s magical!” Sian added.
To donate to Sian’s fundraising total visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sian-hart-27
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About Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice:
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. Here at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice located just outside Cheltenham we provide a safe and reassuring hand for right across Gloucestershire to reach for.
From giving 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.
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