Sian Hart will be stepping out under the stars in October in memory of her childhood best friend.

The 50-year-old has signed up to the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham on Saturday 12th October to remember Catherine Kadodia, who died in 2015 at the age of  just 41.

It will be the eighth time that Sian, from Abbeydale, Gloucester, has taken part in the charity’s annual 10k walk under the stars and she said: “The first time I took part in the Starlight Hike I was immediately overwhelmed by the sense of the community.”

Catherine spent her final days being cared for by the expert team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice near Cheltenham, and Sian continued: “Catherine and I met when I was nine years old when I moved from Cheltenham to Brockworth.

“We walked together to primary school every day, then went on to secondary school together and remained friends into adulthood.

“She was the kindest most generous person. She had the best laugh and smile – even after she died people would talk about her giggle.

“Every time I think of her, I smile too. She was a nurse as a profession and looked after people more than anyone I have ever known.

“The care Catherine received at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice was amazing.  The staff were so kind and loving to her and supportive to her family and friends too.”

The Starlight Hike sets off from Ashley Manor Preparatory School and Sian added: “It’s an event for everyone. It’s not a marathon or mountainous, it’s inclusive of all abilities. I think it’s the kind of thing Catherine would have done herself.

“It’s not something you do once, I think as soon as you have experienced how special it is it’s something you will return to each year.”  

Over the years, Sian has raised nearly £2,200 so that Sue Ryder can continue to be there for families when it matters.

To donate to Sian’s fundraising total visit, https://www.justgiving.com/page/sian-hart-27

To sign for the Starlight Hike, visit sueryder.org/StarlightCheltenham, email leckhampton.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01242 395 450. Standard tickets start from £20 per adult.