A memorable night will take place next month as the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike, Bedford expects to see hundreds of people joining a starlit walk to remember lost loved ones.
The Sue Ryder charity supports people through difficult times in their lives.
For over 65 years, the charity has provided free, compassionate care to those affected by terminal illnesses, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition.
The walk shall begin at Everard Meadow and will follow a 5k or 10k route around Russell Park and along the Bedford Embankment on Saturday, 15 October.
The pre-walk entertainment shall begin at 6:30pm and at 8pm walkers sporting fancy dress, flashing headwear and neon face paint will set out on their route.
Chelsea Wheatley, a 25-year-old Bedfordshire woman will be joining the hike.
She sadly lost her mum, Deborah, 60, to cancer in July this year after being diagnosed just a few weeks previously.
“The last Starlight Hike I did was with my mum and the ones prior to that she attended to cheer me on.
“I always wanted to do Starlight Hike again but it’s got more meaning this time because I’m doing it in memory of my wonderful mum.
“I wish she was here for this one but I will be thinking about her the whole way. She loved walking, and it’s something we always used to do together.”
Chelsea’s grandfather was a big supporter of Sue Ryder as Chelsea’s Great Uncle Harry received care at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice before he died in 2002.
After her grandfather passed away in 2012, Chelsea wanted to carry on supporting Sue Ryder and took part in the Starlight Hike the following year.
Chelsea has joined the hike for three consecutive years, walking with her mum in 2015.
For the upcoming Hike, Chelsea said: “We’re calling ourselves ‘Team Graceland’ because mum was a huge Elvis fan and it was a dream of hers to visit Graceland.
My niece and I are going to wear light-up tutus and we’re hoping to get t-shirts made too.”
Chelsea hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage the people of Bedford to join the hike and walk with her under the stars.
“I would absolutely encourage people to sign up. The atmosphere is amazing and it’s just lovely 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 said.
Tickets are £15 for adults and £6 for children aged six to 12.
Group and family team ticket options are also available at Starlight Hike 2022.
