Sue Ryder stories
Welcome to your round-up of the latest stories from across Sue Ryder.
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice
Sue Ryder nurses join families walking in memory of loved ones
Sue Ryder Nurse Vicki Hall is walking under the stars next month for the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley, and has spoken about how important the feeling of ‘togetherness’ is when remembering a loved one.
Senior Nursing Assistant, Vicki, works at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, and previously worked at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. She said: “I did my first Starlight Hike last year with another nurse, Angie, and we absolutely loved it. We wanted to represent Sue Ryder and come together with everyone who is walking in memory of a loved one.
“We went out, armed with our glow sticks, and the atmosphere was just incredible. Everywhere you looked on the walk the path was just illuminated – it is really special to see so many people coming together. We met loads of families we have supported recently and in the past. I think when remembering a life that feeling of togetherness is so important, and that is what the Starlight Hike is all about.”
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley will return to the beautiful grounds of Pangbourne College on the evening of Saturday 21st October 2023, and it is hoped hundreds of walkers will lace up their trainers in support.
“It is so much more than just a walk,” says Vicky. “The warm up event in itself is so fun, Angie and I fully got involved last year and were up on the stage taking part and helping get everyone excited and ready! We can’t wait to take part again this year.”
Wild swimmer takes on the Thames in memory of his wife
Wild swimmer David, 54, has completed the Thames Marathon to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder after nurses cared for his wife in her final days.
David took up wild swimming to help his own mental health and to feel part of the community again after becoming a full time carer for his wife, Sarah, four years ago.
After Sarah died in March this year, David has found solace in wild swimming and recently completed the Thames Marathon to raise funds for Sue Ryder, after the team provided palliative care for Sarah in her final months.
David said: “When I stopped work, I lost my routine and all my regular contact with people. Sarah could not get out of bed particularly early when she was poorly so it gave me the chance to go out in the morning to meet some people and swim, which has been good for me in lots of ways.
“Three years ago Sarah was diagnosed with glioblastoma, but after a craniotomy she regained a lot of movement on her right side. The years following we were able to lead a fairly normal life, and Sarah was able to see our daughter get married.
“In June last year, the doctors said there was nothing more they could do and at that point Sue Ryder stepped in. Sarah’s Sue Ryder Nurse, Michelle, was saw her straight away and continued to support us right up until she died.
“When you are told there is nothing more to be done, it’s important to know that there is still someone there to support you. Having that support from Sue Ryder meant for the last four or five weeks of her life I could focus on Sarah.”
Wanting to continue his wild swimming adventures and give something back to Sue Ryder after the care his wife received, David decided to enter the Thames Marathon – a 13.5km swim from Henley to Marlow.
David said: “I have done long swims before, but never like this. It was loads of fun to be amongst so many people who love swimming. My shoulders were sore for the last part but, thanks to a friendly flow in the river, I got through in 4 hours 16 minutes and raised more than £2,000 for Sue Ryder.”
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
Our fantastic kitchen garden
We're so thankful for receiving a large donation in memory of a long-lasting supporter of ours who kickstarted the project!
Our eight-strong team of kitchen garden volunteers have been busy growing and harvesting vegetables, which have been made into delicious dishes for patients and staff to enjoy. There have been tasty salads, lots of varieties of soup and tarts, and new potatoes made a fine side dish!
The garden has been in development since the start of the year, having relocated from another part of the hospice gardens, and with the support of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospices' Sustainability Group has been flourishing month-on-month.
Barbara Broomfield, who spearheaded the project alongside her husband and who leads the team of volunteers, said: "We started quite small by growing salad crops including radishes, spring onion and lettuce, but most recently have harvested courgettes and green beans too!
"We are all really pleased with how much we have been able to supply the kitchen, and it means a huge amount to me personally to support this project after Sue Ryder looked after my mum so well in 2014 - the hospice is such a special place!"
They have planted squashes, leeks and cabbages ready for the autumn. The volunteer group plans to meet in October to discuss plans, and they are hopeful they can create some fruit beds in the future. If you want to help, we'd love any spare bulbs and plants, so please get in touch.
Eleanor's heartfelt letter
We really wanted to share a letter penned by 13-year-old Lily Britton, about her inspiration for taking part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham.
Dear editor,
My name is Eleanor and I’m 10 years old. I did the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds last year with my family, and I wanted to tell people why I think they should come and do the walk this year.
When my dad was ill we had lots of help and support from Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice – the community team and Doctors were amazing. It meant that he could stay at home in the last few weeks before he died, so we could spend that time together as a family.
The Starlight Hike is brilliant because it is a time when we can get together with others and think about people we loved who are not here anymore. It feels special and is fun too and this year myself, my family and friends will be wearing lots of glow sticks and are walking again under the name of Disco Dom’s Hikers in memory of my dad who was a DJ and was well known as ‘Disco Dom’.
I am really looking forward to doing the walk again this year with my family and friends, it is nice because it is not too far (you can choose a 5k or a 10k route), everyone is so friendly, and you can even buy snacks and drinks before or after you have walked. There is music and entertainment before the start as well which is a lot of fun!
I feel proud to be raising money for Sue Ryder, because they have really helped my family so much over the last three years. My Mum explained that the money that we raise goes towards helping other families like mine which I think is fantastic and very important.
If you’re thinking about doing the Starlight Hike on Saturday 14 October this year, join me! The feeling you have afterwards is really incredible and it’s such a special way to remember someone you love.
Thank you,
Eleanor from Menston
Autumn Food and Craft Fayre raises over £2,000 for our care
Thank you to Berrey's Pick N Mix for hosting their first food and craft fayre at our hospice. The Autumn Food and Craft Fayre was a big success, raising over £2,000 for our vital care. A huge thank you to Berrey’s Pick ‘N’ Mix, who ran the event, and to all the volunteers, performers and supporters who came out on the day.
The sunny day saw over 15 craft stalls with Winchcombe Radio present and lots of great activities on offer. The Berrey’s plan on making this a regular event, and we are already looking forward to next year’s!
Want to get involved and support us? Email the Fundraising team
Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice
Iconic Yorkshire Dales challenges for Sue Ryder return
Locals have their choice of challenges to get involved in with two events set to return to the Yorkshire Dales next month, raising vital funds for Sue Ryder.
The adventurous and outdoorsy can sign up to either the Sue Ryder Settle Loop Challenge 2023 or the 3 Dales Marathon 2023, both taking place on 28th October.
The Sue Ryder Settle Loop Challenge is a 10 mile route where participants can either run, walk or off-road bike on the hilly trails above the beautiful market town of Settle.
The 3 Dales Marathon is a 26.2 miles route where runners or off roader bikers will take on some challenging – but rewarding – hills across the Yorkshire Dales.
Kirsty Kilburn, from the Settle Fundraising Group, said: "After raising £8,500 in 2022, we are hopeful to beat last year’s target to raise even more for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.”
Sign up for the 3 Dales Marathon or Register for the Settle Loop Challenge
Ruby gets ready to walk under the stars in memory of her grandma
14 year old Ruby Sumpter is one of the many West Yorkshire residents getting ready to walk under the stars next month for Sue Ryder’s Starlight Hike Worth Valley.
The annual walk is an opportunity to get together to remember and pay tribute to loved ones who have died, and Ruby will be taking on her fourth Starlight Hike in memory of her grandma. Over the years, Ruby has raised more than £2,500 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, where her grandma was cared for.
Ruby, from Bingley, said: “I did my first Starlight Hike when I found out my Grandma had cancer, and a few months later she passed away at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. She was such a caring and kind person, and after that I wanted to keep doing the Starlight Hike every year to remember her.
“Starlight Hike is amazing – there is a tombola and you can buy lights so you can be all lit up on the walk. Seeing everyone covered in lights is really magical, it’s such a feel good event and a lot of fun.”
Ruby’s mum, Lisa, has supported her every year and has spoken about the exceptional care nurses at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice gave to her mum, Linda.
“My mum Linda spent her last five days at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and it was a blessing to have had the quality time we had with her there. She had spent a long time in hospital before that, having had endometrial cancer and then a stroke.
“The care my mum received from Sue Ryder Nurses was exceptional. It was such a relief once she was there, everything was taken care of and we were able to focus on just being there with her – it gave us back a little bit of time. We were able to be family again, not just carers.
“I remember seeing in the hospice how much the care cost per day per patient – since my mum died Ruby has managed to raise enough money from the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Worth Valley to pay back the care my mum received. I’m so proud of her.”
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Worth Valley will return on the evening of Saturday 7th October 2023, and for the first time this year walkers will be able to choose from a new 5k route as well as the traditional 10k trail.
Ruby added: “I can’t wait to do it again this year with my friends. It makes me so happy that I am able to give something back, especially as my Grandma was such a caring person, I know she would be proud of me.”
Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire
Sue Ryder Nurse scales Snowdon at night to help people die with dignity
Sue Ryder Nursing Assistant and medical student Livvi Rowe, from Oxfordshire, has taken on the highest mountain in Wales and England – and she scaled it at night.
After seeing the ‘Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by Night’ challenge advertised Livvi, 23, knew she had to sign up – determined to make sure Sue Ryder can continue to provide care for families who need it the most.
Livvi, 23, said: “I’m quite an adventurous person, and after doing the Reading Half Marathon for Sue Ryder I wanted to take on something even more challenging.”
Livvi currently works as a bank nursing assistant at the Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire, whilst studying medicine on an accelerated degree programme at Southampton University.
Livvi continued: “On the evening of the hike we met everyone who was joining – there were so many people hiking for Sue Ryder it made it feel really special.
“We started the walk through the village and then began our climb – the weather was fine until about halfway up and then it started raining horizontally. When we finally got close to the summit we were pulling ourselves up on our hands and knees, it was really tough.
“Heading back down was surprisingly harder than going up, because you are having to concentrate on every step where you couldn’t see and there’s a lot of impact on your knees. The most challenging part was fighting the tiredness. We finally reached the bottom at 4am after six hours of hiking.
“I can honestly say at no point did I think ‘I can’t do this’, and I think that is down to why I decided to do the hike and also seeing such a big group of people supporting Sue Ryder from across the country come together, determined to complete it. It shows what an incredible difference Sue Ryder makes to people’s lives.”
Livvi said that she felt ‘immense pride’ once she completed the hike, as well as tiredness.
“I see first-hand the difference Sue Ryder’s care can make to individuals and their loved ones, at a time when there is only once chance to get it right.
“I love working for Sue Ryder because of the relationships you build with people and families and the difference you make in someone’s last stages. It is really important to me to help raise money so Sue Ryder’s work can carry on and more people can access this type of care.”
Livvi has raised almost £800 from her incredible climb and you can still donate on her Just Giving page.
Sue Ryder nurses join families for Starlight Hike
Sue Ryder Nurse Vicki Hall is walking under the stars next month for the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley, and has spoken about how important the feeling of ‘togetherness’ is when remembering a loved one.
Senior Nursing Assistant, Vicki, works at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, and previously worked at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. She said: “I did my first Starlight Hike last year with another nurse, Angie, and we absolutely loved it. We wanted to represent Sue Ryder and come together with everyone who is walking in memory of a loved one.
“We went out, armed with our glow sticks, and the atmosphere was just incredible. Everywhere you looked on the walk the path was just illuminated – it is really special to see so many people coming together. We met loads of families we have supported recently and in the past. I think when remembering a life that feeling of togetherness is so important, and that is what the Starlight Hike is all about.”
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley will return to the beautiful grounds of Pangbourne College on the evening of Saturday 21st October 2023, and it is hoped hundreds of walkers will lace up their trainers in support.
“It is so much more than just a walk,” says Vicky. “The warm up event in itself is so fun, Angie and I fully got involved last year and were up on the stage taking part and helping get everyone excited and ready! We can’t wait to take part again this year.”
Sue Ryder St John's Hospice
Bedford Running Festival
Our team at the Bedford Running Festival were incredible, their determination and hard work have covered over 123 kilometres between them and raised over £3,300 for our expert, compassionate care!
Thank you to all of our superstar runners, you're strength and determination help us to be there when it matters for the families we support.
Meet our community fundraiser Nick
Meet our Senior Community Fundraiser, Nick Burr, and his pawsome German Shepherd guide dog, Amber.
Nick went blind in 2014 due to cancer. He said, “It was a shock to my system. Not only did I lose my eyesight, I also lost my independence. Over the next two years, I had to learn how to use a white cane to get around. This was physically and mentally tiring, but a step that must be completed before you are considered for a guide dog.
“Amber was born in Scotland in May 2014, where a lovely volunteer trained her for the first year of her life. She was then trained by a guide dog handler up to around the age of two. Amber was taught to walk in a straight line, centre pavement to a curb and stop. Guide dogs are trained to wait at a curb for their next command from their handler. It’s a misconception that they know that a car would hurt them. They have been trained to work in busy and noisy environments, but also to settle quickly. They are taught to feed on the whistle; this helps with recall when they are off the lead enjoying their free runs.
“Amber helped me regain my confidence and, in turn, my independence. In the early days when Amber was training me, there were occasions where we got lost in my local village. One time, I can recall a helpful member of the public coming to our aid. However, they were deaf, and I was blind; it took a while, but we got there in the end. One of the biggest benefits of having an assistance dog is that they can help find a door or a step whilst you are out. A service that you don’t get from a white cane. My independence has grown over the years. From jumping on a bus to taking my little boy to preschool, even seeing Micky Flannagan live in Birmingham. Amber has given me my freedom back.
“Amber loves working with me at Sue Ryder and meeting all our supporters. She will often be found around the fundraising office at St. Johns Hospice, ready for her next tummy rub when her harness is off.”
Thank you for sharing, Nick, and we think Amber is a very good dog indeed!
A big thank you
We want to say a massive thank you to Towers Health and Racquets Club members, who have donated a brilliant £7,084.50 to support our vital care. They ran cake and coffee mornings, a spinathon, raffles, a quiz night and their main event – the Summer Ball!
The Club said, “Every year, our members vote for two local charities to support, and last year, it was the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger and the Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Riding for the Disabled in Bromham.
Thanks to a full calendar of events and fantastic support from members and staff, we are thrilled to announce that we have raised another record amount of £14,169! As always, this is split equally between the two charities.”
The next event the Club is taking part in will be Starlight Hike Bedford, which takes place on Saturday 14th October at the beautiful Everards Meadow. This 5k or 10k route is a family-friendly walk under the stars, celebrating the memories of loved ones.
Claire remembers her dad and walks under the stars for our care
45-year-old Claire Ward was inspired to lace up her trainers following the care her dad Val received at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, in the final months of his life.
“Back in December 2022, Dad was very poorly and had spent Christmas in hospital. It was such a worrying time for all the family. Our journey took a turn, and it was in January 2023 when Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice really became a part of our lives.
“Before this time, we knew little about the expert and compassionate palliative care staff at the hospice provided to patients,” explains Claire.
“We had the support of the palliative care hub who were always at the end of the telephone line, 24/7. They took care of all the medical and practical things so that we could focus on making some magical memories with dad that we will hold in our hearts forever.
“Dad became more unwell and spent just over two weeks at the hospice – again the care and compassion they provided just blew our family away. We could visit 24/7, nothing was ever any trouble for them. Dad even had some lovely bubble baths. As a family we knew that when we left to come home, he would always be in good hands.
“It wasn’t just the care the hospice provided dad; they were there for my family and I too, taking the time to talk to us all and explaining everything.”
With Sue Ryder’s support, Claire’s Dad returned home to spend more precious time with his family and even attended his granddaughter’s wedding, but in July returned to the hospice where he sadly died.
“This time we weren't scared or worried because we knew Dad was going to the best place. The weight was lifted from our shoulders, and we were able to become a wife and daughters again,” said Claire.
“When dad died, we had such amazing support, ears to listen to us and shoulders to cry on, when we needed it the most. We will never forget that special attention staff at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice provided to our family and to our dad - the hospice will always hold a special place in our hearts.
“That’s why we decided to sign up to this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford,” Claire added.
Starlight Hike Bedford will return on the evening of Saturday 14th October 2023, starting at Everard Meadow. Open to everyone from the local community, the event is an opportunity to get together to remember and pay tribute to loved ones who have died, while raising vital funds so that Sue Ryder can continue to be there when it matters.
Claire will be joined by her sisters, nieces, and nephew as she walks the 10k route to remember her dad.
“Now it’s our time to give something back and raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder,” Claire adds.
Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice
10-year-old John's 50-mile cycling challenge
On 2nd September, 10-year-old John Robinson took on a 50-mile cycling challenge which took him from his home to the finishing line at The Sue Ryder Kings Lynn Furniture Outlet. He was joined by his dad Paul, who has completed cycling challenges for Sue Ryder before, and their neighbour Chris. They stopped briefly at the Sue Ryder shop in Eye, near Peterborough, then again at Sutton Bridge, before completing the final leg of the journey into Kings Lynn.
John, who also describes himself an Xbox gamer when not at school, explains why he chose to support Sue Ryder: “I like Sue Ryder because the staff are good people and help make sick loved ones more comfortable at the end of their lives in calm surroundings. Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice did an excellent job caring for Uncle John, my mummy’s brother, then supporting my mummy after Uncle John died.”
When asked about the highlights of his cycle, John added: “It had to be when my mummy gave me a hug at the Sutton bridge after a very challenging 35 miles, and again when I arrived at the finish line. I also loved cycling across the bridge from West Lynn into Kings Lynn. I was very excited to count down the last 15 miles and cross the finish line at the Sue Ryder Kings Lynn Furniture Shop.”
John spent his summer holiday preparing for his epic cycling challenge, racking up over 300 miles worth of training before the event day. He hopes next year's challenge will see him take on 75 miles to Hunstanton while his dad, Paul, is planning another Ride London 100 next year with neighbour, Chris.
Paul said how proud he is of his son and his incredible fundraising feat: “John’s Mum and I are very, very proud of him for all he has achieved and for having the determination to take on the challenge. Even when the head winds were pushing John to his physical limits, there was no mention of giving up.”
Cheyenne Smith, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We are blown away by what John has achieved – to cycle 50 miles is a huge feat for anyone, let alone someone of his age! His donation of £1081.25 will help Sue Ryder continue to be there when it matters for families going through the most difficult times of their lives.”
Sue and Pete's amazing bucket collection raises over £127,000
This week, we want to thank our incredible fundraisers and dedicated volunteer bucket collectors, Sue and Pete Woolfitt, who have raised over £127,000 since they began collecting for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in 2009!
Come rain or shine, Sue and Pete are out with their buckets, collecting for us, and we can’t thank them enough for their dedication.
Speaking about their motivation to fundraise for us, Sue said, “Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is an incredible place, not only caring for patients with life-changing illness but their families as well. Nothing is too much trouble, and the staff and volunteers always go the extra mile for each and every patient.”
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice
Supporter Auli raises vital funds in memory of Julia
Superstar Auli Miles has been raising funds for Sue Ryder through several challenges over August in memory of her friend, Julia. She cycled 50 miles each week in August, gave up alcohol for the month and wrote poetry, raising £750 so far!
Auli also wrote a wonderful poem in honour of Julia, which you can read in full on our Facebook page.
Thank you so much, and well done, Auli!