Hundreds of walkers support Otley's Sue Ryder Starlight Hike

 Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds saw around 200 people, set off from Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley on a 5k or 10k hike in support of the national healthcare charity, with many lighting up the night with their brightest outfits and glow-in-the dark accessories.

 The special event got going with individuals and groups of people invited to join in with a fun warm up from Clubbercise before heading out along the banks of the River Wharfe, through Wharfemeadows Park and around Otley, with further entertainment along the way.

 There was also an opportunity for participants to place a dedication during the event in honour of someone special to them. Crossing the finish line walkers were presented with a well-deserved medal.  

Last year Sue Ryder provided palliative care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds is expected to raise £15,000 to help Sue Ryder provide even more expert and compassionate palliative care and create a future where everyone has access to support at the end of their life or following a bereavement.

Jo Stevens, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “What an incredible evening! Thanks so much to everyone who took part. It was amazing to see everyone shining bright in dazzling outfits and spectacular accessories, celebrating the memory of their loved ones while helping to raise funds so that Sue Ryder continues to be there when it matters.

“We’re also extremely grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, as well as to Claire and her Clubbercise members for a doing a fantastic warm up, along with the girls from Inspiration Dance. To Prince Henry’s Grammar School for hosting us for the second year. Peekaboo Face Painters who donated 100% of their takings from the night to Sue Ryder. Lucy's Pop Choir and all those individuals and companies who donated raffle prizes, cakes, refreshments and balloons.

“Our Sue Ryder teams work tirelessly to ensure that our patient’s symptoms and pain are managed so that the end of people’s lives can instead be filled with friendship, family, and love in those final moments together. By taking part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds, you have helped us provide more care to more people.”

If you couldn’t take part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds, there are still plenty of ways you can support Sue Ryder.

For inspiration visit sueryder.org/fundraise or contact the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice fundraising team by emailing wheatfields.fundraising@sueryder.org or by calling 0113 2033317.