Volunteers and staff are celebrating news that more than £103,000 has been raised for local families needing their expert and compassionate care.

The figure is the highest ever raised by the 10k 'Starlight Hike' in support of the Gloucestershire Hospice, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court.

This year saw a record breaking 942 people step out under the stars through Cheltenham on 19 October.

The event has been 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 at the 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."

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.

Ms Sykes 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 said: "It was incredible looking out to see hundreds of people shining brightly in support of our local hospice. A team of colleagues from Capita took part alongside the crowds of walkers and it was an unforgettable atmosphere."

Starlight Hike returns in 2020 on Saturday, 24 October. For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/leckhampton.