A group of Starlight Hike walkers in bright neon clothing, with the light trail glowing behind them

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley

Celebrate loved ones this October at Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley. Walk 5k or 10k under the stars and raise funds, so more people can receive the expert end‑of‑life care and support they deserve.

Contact

Ashni Parmar

0118 9550 433

thamesvalley.fundraising@sueryder.org

Event cancelled

We are sorry to share that Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley on Saturday 24th October 2026 has been cancelled.

The Mapledurham venue is waterlogged, and with further heavy rain and strong winds forecast, everyone’s safety must come first.

We are really disappointed to cancel one of our biggest fundraising events for the region. We know how much this event means to everyone who planned to take part, volunteer or support us. 

All registered participants will be contacted by email to receive a full refund.

A walk under the stars

Starlight Hike highlights

Bring together your friends and family to walk our 5k or 10k night-time route, winding through the beautiful estate grounds with breathtaking views across the Thames.

Join us under the stars as hundreds of people come together to remember and celebrate loved ones and to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder. Walk in memory of someone special, to show your appreciation for our incredible Sue Ryder Nurses, or simply take part because you believe everyone deserves expert care and grief support.

Bright outfits, fancy dress and glow sticks are warmly encouraged. Stunning light installations, including coloured waves marking each kilometre, will guide your way and help you celebrate every moment.

You’ll enjoy live music, an energising warm‑up and the uplifting experience of walking alongside your community, as we celebrate the lives of those we love and miss.

Along the route, you’ll find a special remembrance area where you can place a star in memory of someone special.

As the route is uneven, it is unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility vehicles.

Together we can ensure no one has to face death or grief alone

Last year, thanks to people like you, we provided more than 655,000 hours of expert care.

Every moment made a difference.

By taking part and raising sponsorship, you’ll help ensure even more people receive the expert care and support they deserve at the end of life.

Supported by

Azego

Fraser's Budgens

Sign up today

More about the event

I've signed up. What happens now?

Once registered, the person who booked the tickets will receive an email confirmation with further information, 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?

Our suggested sponsorship target is £100 per adult, which could pay for three hours of expert care from a Sue Ryder Nurse. But we encourage you to raise as much as you can and we’ll support you every step of the way. By taking part and raising sponsorship you’ll help ensure more people receive the expert care and support they deserve.

You’ll be able to set up an online JustGiving fundraising page after you’ve completed the online registration. We can also provide collection tins if you would like to collect cash donations. If you'd like to host a fundraising event to raise the sponsorship figure, we can provide you with some branded materials. Please contact the Fundraising Team for further details.

How will I receive my t-shirt, 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 and your t-shirt with you on the night.

If you have registered after Sunday 27th September you will be required to collect your t-shirt, walker number and dedication sign on the night.

What are the timings for the event*?

4.45pm – Parking opens
5.00pm – Registration open / Sign-in for online entries open/Entertainment commences
6.00pm – Walks starts
10.00pm – Event ends.

*These timings are subject to change

What facilities are available and is there parking?

Yes, parking will be available on site, but please car share where possible as parking is limited. Full details and maps of parking locations will be made available in advance and included in your electronic event pack. There are toilets available at the event site and on the 10k route.

Is this walk suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles?

No, as the route is uneven it us unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility vehicles.

Please contact us on thamesvalley.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 0118 9550 433 if you require further information.

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 by telephone.

Where does the event start from?

The walk will start from Mapledurham Estate, The Estate Office, Mapledurham, Reading, RG4 7TR.

The what3words reference for the location is define.trying.loud

Find the event location on what3words

There will be pre-walk entertainment and music to enjoy from 5pm with the walk starting at 6pm.

Where does the route go and what is the distance?

Our route is a 5k or 10k walk around the grounds of Mapledurham Estate. The route is mainly on private land, with a section on village roads. Lighting is limited in some parts so please bring torches. Please note that this route is challenging in places and not suitable for those using walking aids.

How long will the walk take?

The 5k route will take approximately one hour. On average the 10k route will take approximately two hours.

Please note that this is only an average time and many walkers have taken longer depending on their mobility around the course. Our back markers will follow up behind the last walker and normally finish in 3 hours.

Please also factor in your arrival time to check in as well as time to 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 private land and public roads, bikes and scooters are not permitted. Parts of this walk are challenging and this must be taken into account if bringing young children.

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?

Please follow the signs and marshal directions to the registration desks in the start & finish area where you will be asked to sign in. 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.

You will need to sign in at the registration desk and collect your t-shirt if you don’t already have this. When you have signed in, please feel free to head towards the stage where the entertainment will be located. Refreshments will be available. All areas will be marked out and staff are available if you have any questions.

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, some areas will be darker, so it is advisable to wear bright clothing, flashing items and bring a torch along with you.

Sign ups after a certain time will have to collect their pack on registration.

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 and end of the walk.

We do advise that you bring some water with you as well as any other supplies you may require if you have allergies or special dietary requirements.

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 register on your arrival so we are aware you have arrived.

Can I sign up on the day?

Yes, on-the-day registration is permitted, 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 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 thamesvalley.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 0118 9550 433 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.

Sue Ryder Starlike Hike Thames Valley 2026 Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions set out the basis for your participation in the event and by applying to enter you are deemed to have read and accepted them.

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley is a 10k or 5k sponsored walk taking place at Mapledurham Estate, Mapledurham, Reading, RG4 7TR on Saturday 24th October 2026.

1. Registration

Online registration to take part in Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley must be received by the closing date as stipulated.
All entry fees are payable to Sue Ryder.
All participants must supply emergency contact details.
There will be a registration desk for on the day registrations. When our online registration closes we will actively promote on the day registration.
A parent or guardian must countersign or complete the application of any participant under the age of 18 on date of application. Participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and there must be at least one adult for every five walkers aged 18 or under. Accompanying adults must ensure that their child/children is/are supervised throughout the event and has/have a good level of road safety awareness.
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 Sue Ryder’s website.
Sue Ryder reserves the right to refuse any registration. Sue Ryder’s decision shall be final.
After registration participants will receive an email confirmation. Further detailed information about the event will be emailed to you prior to the event. This will be sent to the email you submit at the time of entering online.
Your Starlight Hike walker number and remembrance message to wear in celebration of a loved one will be posted to you in advance. Walker packs including T shirts, will be posted prior to the event. If a registration takes place when it is not feasible to post the pack in time for the event, you can collect it on the night at registration. The same applies to on the night sign ups.
All participants must notify Sue Ryder prior to the event of any medical conditions which our first aiders should be aware of.
If any of your contact or other details should change after you have entered the event, you should notify Sue Ryder as soon as possible by email.

2. Alteration or postponement of the event

Sue Ryder reserves the right to alter, postpone or cancel the event where this becomes necessary as a result of circumstances beyond Sue Ryder’s reasonable control (for example flooding, storms or Covid-19 resurgence).
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.
Sue Ryder retains the right to make a change to the advertised start times, as well as operating a staggered start throughout the event by allocated ticket times. This is for the safety of all participants, suppliers, staff and volunteers, and to help safely control the number of participants at any given time.

3. Publicity

By participating, participants agree to take part in post-event publicity which may include interviews, photography and/or filming for Sue Ryder internal communications, local and/or national media and online media. We will also take photographs and/or videos during the event. Sue Ryder reserves the right to use any such photographs or videos in future promotional materials, which may include leaflets and posters, on our website, emails/mailings and on our social channels.
By taking part in the event or attending the event you are deemed to have given your consent, unless you notify Sue Ryder of any express objections. In the event that you raise any objections to the use of any image in which you are featured after the event, Sue Ryder will remove that image from its website and refrain from any future use of it but cannot undertake to remove from circulation any printed materials already in use. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at supportercare@sueryder.org.
Sue Ryder will endeavour to only use photographs, images or likenesses of children aged 16 or under with the consent of the Child’s parent or guardian. If you give your consent, we may use any photograph featuring your child in promotional materials such as leaflets, posters website, social media etc. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at supportercare@sueryder.org. If you do so, we will not make any further use of your child’s image and will remove it from our website/social media but cannot guarantee to retrieve all copies already in circulation.

4. Health, Safety & Fitness

Sue Ryder has a comprehensive risk assessment procedure for each event and will use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the event is safe for participants and the public. However, by taking part participants agree to take reasonable care of their own health, safety and welfare and that of other participants and members of the public. Participants acknowledge that the event will take place at a third party venue, and that as such, risks may arise which are beyond Sue Ryder’s reasonable control. Sue Ryder will take use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that its partnered venue has carried out a thorough risk assessment and taken steps to ensure the health and safety of the venue.
This event has been designed as a low risk event for a person of average fitness. All participants should satisfy themselves that they are in good health and physically able to participate in the event. If in doubt, participants should consult a GP, hospital doctor or other suitable healthcare professional prior to the event.
If you have any medical conditions which may affect your participation, please contact us before completing this form for information about how you can be supported at this event. Unfortunately the event isn't wheelchair friendly due to the terrain.
All participants must protect themselves by wearing suitable clothing and footwear. High visibility apparel and torches/lights are recommended.
All participants must follow the rules of the Highway Code as they apply to pedestrians, as well as the instructions of the event organisers and marshals on the route.
Sue Ryder asks that participants and supporters do not smoke during the event.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the event.
This event is a walking event which means running is not permitted and we cannot allow any other means of transport such as scooters, roller blades or bicycles.
Participants agree to take part in line with all social distancing rules and government guidelines designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as they stand on the day of the event.

5. Dogs

Participants are able to bring dogs, however are fully responsible for them and dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. If your dog fouls in a public place, you must then clean up the mess by law. Those responsible for dogs must be prepared to remove any dog waste and place dog waste in special dog waste bins and not in general rubbish bins. If there is no dog waste bin, take it home and dispose of it there.
All dog foul must be removed from the start/finish venue and not placed in bins on the site.

6. Withdrawing from Starlight Hike

Any participant who finds themselves unable to take part in the event for any reason should notify Sue Ryder as soon as possible. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Any participant who starts the event but then finds themselves unable to complete it for any reason should notify a Sue Ryder representative as soon as possible.

7. Liability

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike is operated by Sue Ryder, and all participants take part at their own risk. Sue Ryder accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or damage suffered by any participant personally as a result of taking part in Starlight Hike in the absence of negligence or breach of statutory duty on the part of Sue Ryder. Sue Ryder accepts no liability whatsoever for any damage to any participant’s property.
Cars left at the event are at participants' own risk. Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Participants should conduct themselves appropriately during the event and refrain from doing anything which might pose a risk or cause a nuisance to other participants, or which might reasonably be expected to adversely affect Sue Ryder’s reputation or bring the charity into disrepute.
Sue Ryder reserves the right to eject any participant who does not comply with these terms and conditions.

8. Financial

All participants registering in advance of the event must pay a non-refundable, non- transferable registration fee at the time of entering the event.
All participants are encouraged to setup an online fundraising page, details of which will be sent to you via email.
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley is an exclusive Sue Ryder fundraising event. All participants must pledge to raise as much sponsorship as possible for Sue Ryder. Sponsorship monies may not be given to or shared with any other organisation. Sue Ryder suggests that each participant should seek to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.
Participants are reminded that they have a legal responsibility to ensure that all sponsorship monies and donations received for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley are paid directly to Sue Ryder within six weeks of the date of the event. Cheques are made payable to Sue Ryder and should be sent directly to Sue Ryder Biz Space Theale, Merlin House, Brunel Road, RG7 4AB and not any of our charity shops.

9. Data Protection

Please be aware that by registering you authorise Sue Ryder to process your personal and sensitive personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 for the purposes of this event only. By signing the registration form or completing the online entry, you agree to Sue Ryder using your personal and sensitive personal data for the purposes outlined above. In the event of an accident or emergency we may need to share your personal data (including health information) with our first aid providers and/or the emergency services, in order that they can give you appropriate treatment. For further details about how we use and protect your information, please view our privacy policy. You can change your contact preferences, request a copy of our privacy policy or ask any questions by contacting supportercare@sueryder.org or 0808 164 4572.
In future, we may wish to send or contact you with information about our charitable activities and events. Please tick the appropriate boxes during the online registration process to opt in/out of future communications accordingly. If at any time in the future you decide that you no longer wish to receive mailing,/texts, or information, please contact Sue Ryder at supportercare@sueryder.org or 0808 164 4572 to be removed from the relevant mailing list.