Dear editor,
I am writing on behalf of national healthcare charity, Sue Ryder to express our heartfelt thanks to the Bedfordshire community for their incredible support in recent weeks.
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in Bedford is our flagship fundraising event, but unfortunately, we had to cancel it last month due to heavy rain and flooding.
The event was expected to draw in over 400 participants, all of whom were eager to celebrate their loved ones while raising vital funds for the charity.
Despite the weather setback, the Bedfordshire community truly shone through.
Around 52 groups and individuals took it upon themselves to complete their own 5k or 10k hikes, collectively raising an incredible £25,000 for Sue Ryder, which operates Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.
It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the lengths to which people have gone to support our charity, especially after the disappointment of having to cancel our main event.
The vital funds raised will significantly help bridge the funding gap we faced, particularly at a time when costs are rising and more people are expected to need our care.
We cannot thank the community enough for their generosity and determination.
We have everything crossed that we will be back next year with our fantastic flagship fundraiser, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Everards Meadows to remember and celebrate their loved ones once again.
With that in mind, it’s never too early to sign up to step out under the stars with registration already open for 2025.
The 2025 Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford will take place on Saturday, 11 October at Everard Meadow, Bedford. You can sign up here.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support.
We hope to see you there.
Tori Ablard
Regional Head of Hospice Fundraising
Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice
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