People in Gloucestershire still have a chance to join healthcare charity Sue Ryder for its Starlight Hike on Saturday (October 16) to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died.

Sue Ryder is hoping that hundreds of local people will lace up their trainers and take part in its Starlight Hike - Cheltenham 10k event.

Online entries are now closed but the charity would love people to sign up on the night - more information on our website below.

The night-time event comes as Sue Ryder unveils its latest research, which shows more than half of the British public (54%) think that remembrance events, such as its Starlight Hike, help them grieve.

In Gloucestershire, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham provides compassionate palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions and also supports their families.

The hospice is calling on local residents to get involved in its Starlight Hike - Cheltenham to remember loved ones and raise vital funds.

The special event, which is being sponsored once again by Capita, will be an opportunity for walkers to come together under the stars with family and friends.

It will see supporters meet at St Edward's Preparatory School, Charlton Kings, and warm up with a fun Zumba session. This will be followed by a 10k walk around Cheltenham.

Walkers will have the opportunity to walk through the tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, softly lit with festoon lights, and place a star in memory of those special to them.

The money raised by taking part in Starlight Hike - Cheltenham will go towards Sue Ryder's vital palliative, neurological and bereavement support.

Matt Reay, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "Starlight Hike - Cheltenham on Saturday 16th October promises to be an incredibly special event and we hope people will be able to join us. Not only will it allow supporters to raise vital funds, but it will be a chance to come together to celebrate, remember and talk about loved ones who are no longer with us.

"A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, Capita. This is the fourth year the team has sponsored Starlight Hike and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. During the time Capita has supported Starlight Hike, a phenomenal £235,000 has been raised for local families needing our care.

"Sadly, due to the pandemic, we weren't able to hold Starlight Hike in 2020, but we are thrilled to be able to welcome walkers to our 2021 event and have Capita on board again.

"The money raised through Starlight Hike - Cheltenham will enable our doctors, nurses and staff to continue to provide compassionate and expert care and help us fill someone's last days with love.

"If you can't make this date, you can organise your own Walk to Remember and do 5k, 10k or a distance of your choice on any day during October.

"Our research finds more than two thirds of the British public (71%) have a special place they visit to remember a loved one who has died. This could be the countryside, a local park, or a favourite pub or restaurant. Make it your own Walk to Remember by deciding your start and finish line and a route that means something to you."

David Haworth, managing director of Life & Pensions Services at Capita, said: "Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is a cause that is close to our hearts. Some of our colleagues and customers have experienced its care first-hand and seen how it supports patients and their loved ones through the most difficult times of their lives."

For more information on the event, see www.sueryder.org/hikecheltenham 

You can contact the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice fundraising team with any queries by emailing leckhampton.events@sueryder.org  or calling 01242 395450.