Hundreds light up the Peterborough night with Starlight Hike
October 26, 2022
Hundreds of walkers donned their best fancy dress and glow-in-the dark accessories on Saturday 22 October for a special hike under the stars to celebrate the memory of loved ones.
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough, sponsored by Perkins Engines Company Limited, saw over 300 people of all ages take on a 5k walk in support of national healthcare charity Sue Ryder.
The spectacle started at Ferry Meadows County Park, where teams and individuals sporting bright coloured clothing, flashing headwear and neon face paint enjoyed a fun disco-style warm up from Clubbercise before setting off on a 5k route around the tranquil setting off the country park, enjoying live music along the way.
There was also an opportunity for participants to place a poignant dedication during the event in honour of someone special to them.
Last year Sue Ryder provided over 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough is expected to raise over £25,000 to help Sue Ryder provide even more expert and compassionate palliative care, and create a future where everyone has access to support at the end of their life or following a bereavement.
Asif Shaheed, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by everyone’s support for this year’s Starlight Hike, turning out in their brightest lights and outfits to make the night an amazing success. You all looked brilliant!
“Thank you to our headline sponsor, Perkins Engines Company Limited, all our supporters, and of course our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, without whom we would simply not be able to put on this fantastic event.
“At Sue Ryder we believe that the end of someone’s life is the most important time of their life. Our care teams do all they can to make room for the things that matter – like spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, memories, and filling their final days with love.
“It’s really poignant that Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough has helped people make some special memories together, while remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. We look forward to welcoming you back next year.”
If you weren’t able to take part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough there are still plenty of ways you can support Sue Ryder. For inspiration visit sueryder.org/fundraise or email the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice fundraising team on thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org.