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 paper sponsor forms, 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.
How will I receive my t-shirt, walker number and dedication sign?
You’re invited to collect your free Starlight Hike t-shirt at our collection events.
Details of these will be emailed to you. If you cannot attend one of these collection events, we will post your t-shirt to you or you will be able to pick it up on the night.
What are the timings for the event?
- 6pm - Registration begins from Oxenhope Railway Station for 10K walkers
- 6:30pm - Registration begins from Oxenhope Railway Station for 5K walkers
- 7.00pm - First 10k train leaves the station for Oakworth
- 7.30pm - Second and final 10k train leaves the station for Oakworth
- 8pm - 5k train leaves for Haworth
Please note: Train times are approximate. Please listen to announcements.
What facilities are available and is there parking?
Parking is limited at Oxenhope Railway Station on the evening. Therefore, we kindly ask that you arrive on foot if possible, use public transport or arrange for a lift. Toilet facilities are available at the start/finish area and for the 10k walkers, just before the halfway point.
Is this walk suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles?
No. Unfortunately, due to the uneven nature of the walk route, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility vehicles. Pushchairs are permitted but may struggle on parts of the route. However, we welcome all to enjoy the music and entertainment provided at the event site. Please email manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640 430 if you require more 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.
Where does the event start from?
The walk will start from Oxenhope Railway Station, Mill Lane, Oxenhope, BD22 9LB with registration open from 6.00pm. The first 10k train will leave the station at 7.00pm and the second and final 10k train will leave shortly after at approximately 7.30pm. The 5k walkers train will depart at 8.00pm.
There will be pre-walk music and stalls to enjoy, with a warm-up and glitter station to get you ready for your walk.
Where does the route go and what is the distance?
We have a 5k or 10k route taking you through the villages and surrounding area of the Worth Valley. The Starlight Express train takes walkers to either Haworth Station for the 5k walk or Oakworth station for the 10k walk. Participants then walk along public footpaths back to Oxenhope Railway Station via the grounds of Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice.
How long will the walk take?
The walk offers a 5k or 10k route and on average will take approximately one to three hours from the time you depart the start line depending on the speed you walk. Please note that this is only an average time and many walkers have taken longer depending on their mobility around the course and whether they take the 5k or 10k route. Our back markers will follow up behind the last walker and normally finish in under 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 in full prior to participating. Please note as the route is on public footpaths, bikes and scooters are not permitted. Children’s buggies are, however, permitted but some sections of the route are not suitable for pushchairs. Please contact us to find out more.
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?
When you arrive at Oxenhope Railway Station, please make your way to the registration desks to sign in so we know you’ve arrived and can provide you with a reflective armband to wear on the walk.
How will this event be Covid-19 safe?
All participants of our event will agree to take part in line with government guidelines designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, as they stand on the day of the event.
We may ask you to follow additional precautions prior to and at the event in order to help safeguard everyone including our team who come into contact with patients and hospice staff. We will of course communicate these to you in advance if applicable and also at the event through our volunteers.
Your support and understanding is very much appreciated.
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 as much as possible, 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, as well as a glitter station. All the funds raised from the sale of these items will help to raise more funds for Sue Ryder.
Will any food and drink be provided or available to purchase?
Refreshments will be available to purchase at the start of the walk, with water and a snack available for each participant at the halfway point on route. We’ll also provide additional drinks and goodies for everyone crossing the finish line.
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?
Registration is available on the night subject to availability and for an additional charge. This event has sold out in previous years, so we encourage you to sign up in advance wherever possible to guarantee your place. 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.
Can I change the train time I've registered for?
Spaces on each train are limited and this event usually sells out in advance.
If you would like to change the train time you’ve registered for, please contact us on manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640 430 as soon as possible and we will try to make this change.
Please note that we cannot guarantee you will be able to change train times as this is subject to availability. We recommend you book your tickets early and co-ordinate with any friends you wish to take part in to guarantee the train time you want.
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 tag us 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 manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01535 640 430 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.
