Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is asking people right across the county to become shining stars for the night, and raise much needed funds for its specialist care.

The hospice's annual 10km night time walk with a party atmosphere, Starlight Hike which is sponsored for the second year running by Bishops Cleeve based Capita, is back on Saturday 20th October.

Online registration is open now at www.sueryder.org/leckhamptonSLH with discounted sign up fees for individuals signing up before midnight on Monday 27th August.

Last year 523 walkers sporting neon outfits and flashing lights took to the streets of Cheltenham. Together they raised a staggering £61,600 for the only hospice in Gloucestershire with an inpatient unit.

Matt Reay, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said, "Last year was the most we have ever raised at Starlight Hike, and we're aiming for the stars this year to top this figure if we can. To do that we need people right across the county to join us. Get together with family, grab your friends or enter a team with your work colleagues or sports team and join us for a great night out. We welcome dogs (neon and flashing lights optional!) and children too."

Nikki Moss, Customer Service Manger at Capita, said: "We're thrilled to be supporting Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for a second year running with its annual Starlight Hike. We were blown away by the amazing atmosphere and massive support the event received last year, and we know this year will be just as successful. The hospice is a really important local cause to us as so many of our staff and customers have experienced the hospice's amazing care. We hope this year's event will raise lots more funds for this amazing local facility so it can keep giving its very special care."

Starting and finishing at St Edwards Prep School, Charlton Kings there will be entertainment and uplifting music from Rock Choir and a warm up putting walkers through their paces from British Military Fitness Cheltenham before setting out on the marshalled 10k walk.

The event is open to anyone who has lost a loved one, whether they have received care and support from the Sue Ryder charity or not. Walkers who wish can place a star in remembrance of loved ones on the hospice's 'wall of stars' as they walk through the softly lit hospice grounds too.

Matt added, "Starlight Hike is a really moving and uplifting event. We're looking forward to working with Capita on putting on a great event raising funds so our specialist hospice care can continue supporting many more local families."

The special early bird offer of £12 per adult ticket ends on midnight on Monday 27th August when the ticket price will be £15. There are also child, family and team ticket options available. For more information and to sign up visit www.sueryder.org/LeckhamptonSLH, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org  or call 01242 246 162.