Garden House Hospice Care’s annual Sunset Starlight Walk will take place on Saturday 7th September from 6.30pm. Starting and finishing at Letchworth Hall Hotel, the event comprises of a 6.5 mile circular walk around local countryside and villages before winding back into town.
The Hospice describes the event as ‘a walk to remember’, with some supporters taking part to remember a loved one, and others using the experience to challenge themselves or make new memories. Groups of friends, families and colleagues are encouraged to take part and dogs are also welcome to join the late summer’s walk.
Adam Brockett is the Product and Events Development Lead at the Hospice:
“Every year we look forward to this event as it really is one of our favourites seeing the community come together. As a new treat this year, walkers will be set off to the sounds of Hitchin Rock Choir. They can expect familiar light and sound experiences along the route, which includes our now renowned ‘tunnel of lights’.
“Last year, walkers were treated to a glorious sunset and although we can’t promise the same this year – especially with the recent weather – it’s simply a nice addition to what is already a great countryside walk as the sun goes down and the stars come out.”
Kathryn Hares is the Supporter Care Coordinator at Garden House Hospice Care. She has been a part of every Sunset Starlight Walk as a participant, volunteer and staff member since it began in 2009 and has enjoyed seeing the walk develop over the last 15 years:
“Initially, the event was a Starlight Walk which was ten miles long and started at midnight. It was targeted at women only as ‘a special night for special ladies’ and the first year I walked around with two men in drag – it was a great laugh.
“Since 2009 I have spoken to and had the privilege to get to know so many of our wonderful supporters, either walking with them (although never in drag!), meeting them as a volunteer on the night where I have tried most roles, or processing their registrations and answering their queries over the phone.
“There’s always so much excitement around Sunset Starlight Walk at this time of year and it’s amazing to see people continue to enjoy it after so long.”
Compared to this time last year, the Hospice has seen a significant increase in the number of walkers already signed up. They now need to raise £7.7 million a year to provide their palliative care for free in North Hertfordshire and are hopeful Sunset Starlight Walk will raise a minimum of £30,600 in sponsorship, which would fund the Hospice’s entire services for two days.
Register now and join Garden House Hospice Care as they ‘light up the night’.
Tickets are £23 for adults and £10 for under-18s at www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/event/sunset-starlight-walk-2024
Garden House Hospice Care provides free specialist palliative care for patients, families and carers facing life limiting illnesses from across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and towns and villages in Central Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, serving a population of around 520,000 people.
Working with a medical team of highly experienced doctors and nurses, the Hospice has specialists in a wide range of roles including complementary physiotherapy, bereavement, occupational therapy, complementary therapy and spiritual care.
It costs Garden House Hospice Care £7.7m to provide their services, and although they receive some funding from the NHS, they need to raise £15,300 every day in charitable income and greatly rely on the support of the community – local businesses, groups and individuals to help fund their work. They also rely on the support of a fantastic team of volunteers to help them deliver services.
