I've signed up. What happens now?
Once registered, the person who booked the tickets will receive an email confirmation followed by regular fundraising and event information emails including important details about the day of the event. Information will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered for the event. If this has changed, please contact us on the details below.
Do I need to raise any sponsorship to take part?
The cost of entering Starlight Hike only covers running the event itself. It costs £16,000 a day to deliver our end-of-life care in your local area, but by raising sponsorship you'll make every step count, ensuring that no one has to face death or grief alone.
Our suggested sponsorship target is £100 per adult, but we encourage you to raise as much as you can. By raising money you’re helping ensure that people approaching the end of their life or grieving can access the right support at the right time.
You’ll be able to set up an online JustGiving fundraising page after you’ve completed the online registration. We can also help with providing collection tins and any other fundraising items. If you would like any help with your fundraising, just get in touch with the fundraising team on the details below.
What are the different ticket prices?
Our Super Early Bird prices are available until the 31st January 2026. These are £12.00 for Adults and £5.00 Youth (6-17).
Early Bird tickets go on sale on the 1st February and end on the 31st July 2026. These are £15.87 for Adults and £6.39 for Youths (6-17).
Standard online prices start on the 1st August and continue until our online ticket sales end. These are £20.00 for Adults and £8.00 for Youth (6-17)
If tickets are available on the day these are £23.00 for Adults and £10 for Youth (6-17). We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available on the day so we recommend you purchase a ticket online in advance.
Children aged 5 and under are free but please order a ticket for them.
How will I receive my t-shirt?
You’re invited to collect your free Starlight Hike t-shirt at our collection events which will be held at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice - Community Hub, Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, GL53 0QJ on the following dates:
- Tuesday 29th September 2026
- Tuesday 6th October 2026
- Tuesday 13th October 2026
Final details of these and the times will be sent in the autumn to the person who booked the tickets.
If you cannot attend one of these collection events you will be able to pick up your t-shirt on the night.
How will I receive my walker number and dedication sign?
We will post these to the address of the person who ordered the tickets. We send these items in the post so you can complete the emergency contact information on the back of your walker number and decorate your dedication sign (should you wish to). Please remember to bring these with you on the night.
What are the timings for the event?
- 5.45pm – Parking opens
- 6.00pm – Registration open/Sign-in for online entries opens/Entertainment commences
- 8.00pm - 8.20pm – Walkers depart in waves
- 11.00pm – Event ends.
*Note: these timings are subject to change
What facilities are available and is there parking?
Yes, limited parking will be available on a first come first served basis. Full details and maps of parking locations will be made available in advance and included in your electronic event pack. Both the start/finish and hospice have toilets.
Is this walk suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles?
Our 10k route is designed to be as accessible as possible. Depending on the individual chair/vehicle, our route can and has been achieved. To check and discuss this further, please email us at leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call 01242 395 450 so we can help make your experience as enjoyable as possible and discuss your individual needs.
What emergency contact information do I need to provide?
In order to take part in the event, you are required to provide (at the time of booking) an emergency contact name and number. This MUST be someone who is NOT attending the event with you and CANNOT be yourself. Please make sure you input this information correctly when entering online as this information will be used in the event of an accident or emergency on the night.
This also MUST be someone over the age of 18 years, in the UK on the day of the event and contactable.
Where does the event start from?
The walk will start from Ashley Manor (formerly St Edward’s) Prep School, London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 6NR. (Note: do NOT go to the Senior School on Cirencester Road as this is NOT part of the event and parking is NOT available here.)
There will be pre-walk entertainment and music to enjoy and get the party started, with a choir performance and a Zumba warm up from Cath's Classes.
Where does the route go and what is the distance?
Our route is a 10k loop from Ashley Manor Prep School in Charlton Kings. The route follows public footpaths through Charlton Kings and Leckhampton, before coming through the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice grounds where you can leave a memory on our wall of stars.
Should you prefer not to enter the hospice grounds then of course you are able to miss out this section and continue back to the finish area.
If you have any concerns about the route and require additional information or wish to check about accessibility for mobility vehicles, then please contact us using the email below and we’ll be happy to discuss. Note mobility scooters and wheelchairs have previously taken part in our event.
How long will the walk take?
The walk is 10k and on average will take approximately two to two and half hours from the time you depart the start line. Please note that this is only an average time and many walkers have taken longer depending on their mobility around the course and the length of their stop at the hospice halfway point. Our back markers will follow up behind the last walker and normally finish in under three hours. Please also factor in your arrival time to check in as well as time to grab a coffee or bite to eat and soak up the entertainment before you depart. This is not included in the average walk time.
Are children allowed to enter the walk?
Yes, children are permitted to walk but must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times. Everyone taking part in the walk must complete the registration process, be that online or on the day. Please note: as the route is on public footpaths, bikes and scooters are not permitted. Children’s buggies and mobility scooters are, however, permitted.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Yes, we allow dogs to join in the fun and encourage you to involve them in the event with flashing accessories so other walkers and road users can see them in the dark. We ask that dogs are kept on the lead at ALL times without exception and are NOT left tied up anywhere unattended. We also ask that you carry bags and pick up anything after your dog.
What do I need to do on arrival?
Sign in as directed via the sports hall. It is very important you do sign in so we know you are taking part and have arrived, especially so we have a record in the unlikely event of an emergency. Please make sure you have your walker number visible for check in.
You will need to sign in at the relevant desk and collect your t-shirt if you don’t already have this. When you have signed in, please feel free to head outside where the stage and entertainment will be located. Refreshments will also be available to purchase.
What do I need to bring with me?
Detailed information about what to bring with you will be sent to you in advance. Please, however, do make sure you remember to bring your walker number with you to registration. Please also come dressed appropriately for the weather, especially as it will be October, and wear good walking shoes/footwear. Although the route will be lit with street lighting, it is also advisable to wear bright clothing, flashing items and bring a torch along with you.
What about merchandise - will there be any available to purchase?
Yes, there will be a selection of flashing items you can purchase on the evening.
Will any food and drink be provided or available to purchase?
Yes, refreshments will be available to purchase at the start of the walk with additional refreshments available at the halfway point (hospice). We’ll also provide everyone with a complimentary bottle of water and some donated snacks and goodies after crossing the finish line.
We do advise, however, that you bring some additional water with you as well as any other supplies you may require if you have allergies or special dietary requirements. The route does also pass shops where further supplies can be purchased.
Do I need to bring any proof of entry with me or show an email on my phone?
No – all entries made online will be entered onto sign-in sheets and you will need to sign in on your arrival, so we are aware you have arrived. Please remember to bring your walker number with you.
Can I sign up on the day?
Yes, on-the-day registration is permitted (subject to availability), but we encourage you to enter online so we can provide you with all the relevant information and support in advance and also send out your walker number.
If you are planning on registering on the night (if available) please note that on-the-day registration incurs an additional charge, and we recommend you arrive early to avoid any queues and make the most of the pre-event entertainment.
Will there be photos available from the event?
Photos will be taken at the event and we will share a link to an online Facebook album post event. We also encourage people to take their own photos and selfies using the hashtag #StarlightHike.
Please note: we will endeavour not to share any images of children aged 16 and under without the express permission of a parent or guardian
What is the refund policy?
Participants must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable entry fee at the time of registering. The amount of the entry fee will be confirmed on the Sue Ryder's webpage for the event. Where the event is postponed or cancelled, participants shall be entitled to defer their entry to when the event next takes place or (subject to availability) transfer to an alternative Sue Ryder fundraising event. If there is no deferred or suitable alternative event you will be entitled to a refund of any entry fee you have paid.
How are donations spent?
When you make a donation to Sue Ryder, your money will be spent wherever the need is greatest, giving us the flexibility to provide our services across the UK. If you specifically want your donation to be spent on a particular service, please provide clear instructions in writing with your donation or contact our Supporter Care team to let them know. Call 020 7554 5985 or email supportercare@sueryder.org.
What are the full event terms and conditions?
These are available online and on request, and must be read before entering so you are fully aware of the event terms and conditions prior to registering.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call 01242 395 450 if you have any further questions about this event. A member of the fundraising team will be more than happy to speak to you about any queries.
