I've signed up. What happens now?
Once registered, each entrant will receive an email confirmation with more information, which will be followed by regular fundraising and event information emails including details on how you will receive your event t-shirt and walker number and important information 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.
What are the timings for the event*?
- 4.45pm – Parking opens
- 5.00pm – Registration open / Sign-in for online entries open/Entertainment commences
- 6.30pm – Walk starts
- Midnight – Event ends.
*Note these timings are subject to change
What facilities are available and is there parking?
Yes, parking will be available on site, but please carpool where possible. 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.
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 pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility vehicles.
However, we welcome all to enjoy the music and entertainment provided at the event site. 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.
Where does the event start from?
The walk will start from Pangbourne College, Pangbourne Rd, Reading RG8 8LA. (Note: once in Pangbourne please follow the street signs to the College as sat nav is not accurate.) The ‘What Three Words’ reference for the location is “enigma.headers.belt”.
Find the event location via what3words
There will be pre-walk entertainment and music to enjoy.
Where does the route go and what is the distance?
Our route is a 5k or 10k walk around the grounds of Pangbourne College. The route is mainly on private land, with only a small portion on public footpaths. Lighting is limited in some parts so please bring torches. Please note that this route is challenging in places and so may not be suitable for those using walking aids.
How long will the walk take?
You can choose between a 5k or 10k distance. On average 5k will take approximately an hour and a half to two hours from the time you depart the start line, and the 10k route will be roughly double that. 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 halfway remembrance point. Our back markers will follow up behind the last walker and normally finish in under 2 hours for 5k and 4 hours for 10k. 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 footpaths, bikes and scooters are not permitted. Please note that 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?
Sign in will be directed and marked out from the car park. 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 relevant 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.
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, some areas will be darker, it is also advisable to bring a torch 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 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 raise any sponsorship to take part?
Our suggested sponsorship target is £100 per adult, but we encourage you to raise as much as you can to support our specialist teams so they can provide expert care which means the end of people’s lives can be filled with friendship, family and love in their final moments together.
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.
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.
Can I sign up on the day?
Yes, on-the-day registration is permitted (subject to availability and event guidelines at the time), 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 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.