A woman from Cheltenham will walk beneath the stars to remember beloved friends and raise vital funds for Sue Ryder, the palliative care and bereavement support charity.

On Saturday 18th October, Heather Langston, 58, will take part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham.

She is walking in memory of her friends Shirley Raynesford and Lynne Keenan, who were cared for at home by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice at Home Nurses.

Heather will be joined by her long-time friends Tracey Moore and Jane Jeffries, both 62, who are seasoned participants in the event.

Reflecting on what sparked her fundraising journey, Heather said: “Shirley passed away seven months ago at just 59. I’d known her for 40 years, and her three children remain very close to me.

“Lynne was also a dear friend. Both she and Shirley received compassionate care at home from Sue Ryder Nurses, who supported not just them, but their families with dignity and kindness.”

Tracy added her own motivation for taking part in Starlight Hike Cheltenham.

“I'm a nurse at a GP surgery, and I’ve seen so many patients cared for by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and at home by Sue Ryder Nurses,” she said.

“The care they provide is amazing, truly holistic support for friends, family, and everyone involved.

“I’ll be walking in memory of my brother-in-law Lawrence Moore, it’s a lovely way to take some time and remember loved ones who are no longer with us.”

Jane also explained what drew her to the event.

“My mum, Irene Cooper, had cancer and was in hospital before spending a short time at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. The staff were fantastic. Sue Ryder is such an important part of our community.”

Looking ahead to the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike, Heather said: “It is a wonderful evening, because everyone is there for the same reason. It’s a celebration, in memory of people who have died, but full of joy.

Heather added: “We love getting into the spirit of the evening, dressing up each year as brightly as possible – face paint, light-up tutus – the works!

“The volunteers who line the route are all amazing and keep everyone going. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is a truly wonderful experience.”

Starting at Ashley Manor Preparatory School, friends and families are invited to come together on the night and walk a 10K route through Cheltenham, all in memory of someone special. 

Along the way, participants can choose to pass through the beautifully lit, tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where they’ll have the opportunity to place a star in memory of someone special. 

To support Heather’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/page/heather-langston-6

Meanwhile, more than £142,000 has so far been raised for Sue Ryder at the recent Run Cheltenham event.

This popular community event, which took place on Sunday 21th September, saw over 300 charity runners take to the streets, raising vital funds for the palliative care and bereavement support charity, which runs Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.

Matt Reay, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “Run Cheltenham 2025 was once again a truly incredible event, the support shown by the team of over 300 Sue Ryder runners has blown us away!

“Thanks to them as well as our corporate partner and Run Cheltenham's headline sponsor Safran we’ve had a record-breaking year, raising an astonishing £142,000 so far, with funds still coming in, which will ensure we can continue to provide care and support for families across Gloucestershire. 

“A heartfelt thank you to our fabulous team of volunteers and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to support Team Sue Ryder.

“If you feel inspired to take on a new running challenge next year, why not sign up now and be part of something amazing? You can find out more and sign up to Run Cheltenham 2026, which will take place on Sunday 20th September at https://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/run-cheltenham/”