Have Your Say – Join me at Starlight Hike in aid of Sue Ryder

Dear Editor,

Although I have taken part in a lot of events for Sue Ryder in the past, this will be my first ever Starlight Hike – and I can’t wait to get involved with such a well loved community event for a cause that is close to my heart.

My uncle John received excellent palliative care from Sue Ryder and the whole family benefited from the services and the wrap around care provided afterwards.

More recently my nan, Rita, received care and support from the South Oxfordshire Palliative Care Hub at her care home in Henley-on-Thames before dying peacefully in her care home.

Knowing Sue Ryder are available at the end of someone’s life is such a relief. Sue Ryder has provided so much support to my family when we have experienced family bereavements. Knowing a nurse is at the end of the phone at times of crisis is so reassuring for the patient but also the family members coping with that situation. That’s why I am doing the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley – I want to give something back.

I’m really excited for the atmosphere from the hike – joining other walkers all united in memory of our loved ones. The Clubbercise warm up sounds so much fun and will definitely get me ready for the hike!

It is special to think that every person will be walking for someone and has made the effort to honour them on the back of their t-shirts. There will even be a point on the walk to hang your dedication on the festoon lighting in the woodland lit up area.

We all lead busy lives and taking that moment to honour your loved ones with others is truly moving. Remembering those you love lets their memory live on through you.

Now is the perfect time to sign up, I’ve already recommended the walk at the company I work for, MiCIM. Two of my colleagues Alison and Hannah have signed up! MiCIM are very supportive of local charities and have adopted Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice as one of their chosen charities this year.

With Sue Ryder being so close to my heart, it’s great that one of MiCiM’s chosen charities is Sue Ryder. When I heard about Starlight Hike, I knew that others would want to get involved. A couple of my colleagues and I are really looking forward to the event and we will continue to look for ways we can raise further funds after the event, to support the amazing care and services Sue Ryder provides to families and the community.

The Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley will take place on 21 October at Pangbourne College and you can sign up at: sueyder.org/starlightthamesvalley

Thank you,

Kerry Etherton from Spencers Wood