Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice’s Starlight Hike breaks records
Volunteers and staff at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice have received an early Christmas present with the news that over £103,000 has been raised for local families needing their expert and compassionate care at this year’s Starlight Hike.
A truly uplifting and memorable night
With a record breaking 942 people stepping out under the stars through Cheltenham on 19th October, this year's figure is the highest ever raised by the 10k night time walk in support of the Gloucestershire Hospice.
Sponsored by Bishops Cleeve-based Capita for the past three years, during that time an incredible £224,000 has been raised for the hospice. This sum could pay for 11,789 hours of palliative care, supporting local people with a terminal illness in the county’s only specialist palliative care inpatient unit, out in the community through its hospice at home team or through the hospice’s active day hospice programme.
Matt Reay, Senior Community Fundraiser for events at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said, “Everyone at the hospice is absolutely blown away by the incredible support we’ve received from the local community for Starlight Hike this year. Over the past three years, with the support of our sponsors Capita, we have been able to create a truly uplifting and memorable night for families, friends and colleagues to come together to walk in memory of loved ones.”
“We set out to make this year’s Starlight Hike bigger, brighter and better than ever before and it has surpassed all expectations. We’re thrilled and want to thank every single person who supported Starlight Hike 2019 for making this happen.”
We are all here at Starlight Hike to give something back
Sam Sykes, 34, from Cheltenham, was one of those who took part, walking in memory of her husband Ben Sykes, 36, who received care at the hospice earlier this year. She stood on stage on the night to bravely share her reason for walking.
Sam said, “I came to support a cause which is very close to my heart. We were truly blessed to spend time at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. It is a magical and inspirational place where for the last five weeks of my husband Ben’s life we went to live.”
“We were able to spend precious time together with our now two year old little daughter and were able to create truly priceless memories. It felt like the weight had been lifted off our shoulders. The staff were exceptional and Ben became a different person. His light and his shine came back.”
“We are all here at Starlight Hike to give something back and make sure this amazing hospice can continue to serve our community.”
Adrian Stenner, Team Leader at Capita, spoke to the crowds at this year’s event. He said, “It was incredible looking out to see hundreds of people shining brightly in support of our local hospice. We’re proud that support from Capita has helped the event grow into something really special which will make a real difference to the lives of local families when they need support most.”
Starlight Hike returns in 2020 on Saturday 24th October.
Find out about Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's specialist palliative inpatient care unit and other varied support services they provide for people living with life-limiting conditions, as well as ways you can support them to help people live the best life they possibly can.