“OCTOBER is a difficult time for our family so the Starlight Hike will be an opportunity to do something positive.”

These are the words of Jennie Hanbidge, of Menston, as she prepares to walk under the stars at the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in Otley in memory of her husband Dom, who sadly died in October 2020 aged 48 after being diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer just two months previously.

“October is quite significant because it was Dom’s birthday month and he also passed away in October,” said Jennie.

“I’m just really looking forward to walking in memory of Dom in the town where I grew up, having a fun night with my children and friends, and raising vital funds for a cause very close to my heart.”

Joining Jennie will be the couple’s two children, Eleanor, nine, and Harry, five, and a group of around 12 friends, who hope to raise as much money as they can to support the end-of-life care and bereavement support provided by Sue Ryder.

“We’re calling our team Disco Dom’s Hikers, as he was known to many as ‘Disco Dom’ having spent many years as a DJ,” Jennie added.

Hundreds of people are expected to join the starlit walk on Saturday, October 8, which starts at Prince Henry’s Grammar School and follows a 5k or 10k route along the banks of the River Wharfe.

Jennie said: “During Dom’s illness we were supported by the community team at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, which meant that he was able to spend the last four weeks of his life at home with his family.

“Covid made things very difficult but our Sue Ryder Nurse came to see us quite early on and she was always there when I needed her even if it was just a quick phone call to see how we were doing and check whether we needed any help. She was really good and she could always make us both giggle too which I think we needed."

Over the past two years Jennie has raised over £12,000 for Sue Ryder to thank them and is encouraging more people to pull on their trainers and join them on the hike.

"I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be brilliant and it will be special because we’re all doing it for the same cause and a lot of us will have loved ones that we want to remember,” she added.

Sign up for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Otley at sueryder.org/otleystarlight.

To donate to Jennie’s fundraising total, visit: https://dominichanbidge.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Events/655642127