Sue Ryder is inviting local people to join its Starlight Hike in Cheltenham, for an evening of celebration, remembrance and fundraising under the stars.
Taking place on Saturday 17 October 2026, the walk starts at Ashley Manor Preparatory School and follows a 10-kilometre route around Cheltenham, with walkers brightening up the town with their flashing headwear, glow sticks and neon face paint.
Along the way, there's the opportunity to pass through the peaceful grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and lay a star to honour the memory of someone special.
This year, 60-year-old Jacky Stewart will be stepping out under the stars to mark the tenth anniversary of her husband’s death.
Jacky, who lives in Tuffley, first took part in the charity’s evening remembrance walk shortly after her husband, Ken, died in March 2016.
Ken was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and then by the charity’s Hospice at Home team, which helped fulfil his wish to die at home with Jacky by his side.
Jacky said: 'I first became aware of Sue Ryder when my husband, Ken, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015. It’s hard to know the true impact Sue Ryder can have until it touches your life.
'The whole team was wonderful, not only caring for Ken, but caring for me too. If I looked exhausted, they’d make me a coffee and check I was okay.'
'People don’t talk about death enough, and having a good death is so important. For me, Sue Ryder allowed Ken to have a good death.'
'They helped me to keep my promise to Ken: that he would die at home, and that I would be asleep beside him when he did.'
The hike is not only the only Sue Ryder fundraiser Jacky has taken part in, having also completed the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to raise money for the charity.
Through the trek, she met one of her closest friends, Tracey, and the friendship has led to years of travel adventures around the world. Tracey, Ken’s best friend Jim and his daughter Katie will join Jacky on this year's Starlight Hike.
'Walking the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham gives me to space to remember and celebrate Ken and the lives of everyone close to me who has died, but also an opportunity to give something back to Sue Ryder,' Jacky added.
'The event is joyful. It’s poignant at times, especially when you walk through the beautifully lit hospice grounds, but still joyful.'
This year's Starlight Hike is sponsored by Allstone Speedy Skips and Monster Mix. To find out more about the hike and to sign up, visit sueryder.org/StarlightCheltenham.
