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Gloucestershire Business News

Capita colleagues to light up Cheltenham at Starlight Hike

Joining hundreds of people at this year's Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham on Saturday, October 19, will be a team of 11 from event sponsor Cheltenham-based Capita.

Lyndsey Jeffery, customer service advisor at Capita, who runs the company's charity committee with colleagues Debbie Wilson and Ally Hollick, will be lacing up her walking shoes with 10 other staff members and Mikey the dog. This will be the second time Lyndsey has undertaken the iconic fundraising hike for Sue Ryder.

Lyndsey explained: "Last year's event was brilliantly organised, with such a vibrant atmosphere. At the start, there was music going on - with people dressed up - everyone had glow sticks!

"There were choirs at different points on the route and a quiet section at the hospice where you could reflect. At the finish line, everyone was cheering you on and congratulating you. At the end of the walk last year, we decided straightaway to do it again!"

The annual charity walk under the stars will see hikers setting off from Ashley Manor Preparatory School on a family-friendly 10k route around the town, with live entertainment along the way.

Participants will also have the opportunity to pass through the tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and place a star in memory of someone they love and miss.

Capita customer service advisor Ally said: "Last year's event had a really fun side. This year we've talked about dressing up as a group to make it even better and giving ourselves a new team name."

The charity committee, which meets monthly, carries out a series of challenges throughout the year and supports a different local charity each month.

Technical adviser Debbie added: "After taking part in 2023, everyone was really positive about it, saying that they had a great time, so I thought: 'I really want to get involved with it this year.' It's a cause close to our hearts - my husband's father received care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice a long time ago."

Lyndsey added: "We're very happy to support Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham - it's so nice to know we're helping make a difference to a local charity. Most of us know of people, friends and family that have been touched by the hospice, and it's so important to give back and try to help."

Matt Reay, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "We're so grateful to Capita for generously sponsoring the event for the seventh year, and would like to thank them for their ongoing support which has helped us raise over £475,000 to date. I'm sure this will take the total to over £500,000 this year."

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and colleagues to get together and join the local community to light up the skies for their loved ones, all while raising vital funds so we can continue to be there for families when it matters.

Standard tickets start from £20 per adult.

Sign up today at www.sueryder.org/starlightcheltenham  or contact the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice fundraising team via email Leckhampton.events@sueryder.org  or by calling 01242 395 450.

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