Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is asking people right across Gloucestershire to become shining stars for the night and light up the streets of Cheltenham in support of families needing its care.

The hospice’s annual 10km walk under the stars with a party atmosphere, Starlight Hike, is back on Saturday 19th October.

Online registration is open now at www.sueryder.org/leckhamptonslh with early discount for individuals signing up before midnight on Monday 26th August.

Last year 540 walkers sporting neon outfits and flashing lights walked under the stars in Gloucestershire, raising a staggering £60,000 for the hospice and its inpatient care, day hospice, family support, befriending and hospice at home services.

Jamie Collier from Gloucester was there last year in memory of her dad who was cared for at the hospice.

She said: “Starlight Hike is enjoyable, emotional and exhilarating in equal measure. Sue Ryder is such an amazing charity which makes such a positive difference to patients and their families when the future is hard to face.

“This night time walk is an uplifting celebration of all those we love and miss, while raising vital funds so more families can receive the care they so desperately need.”

Matt Reay, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “We want to make Cheltenham shine bright in memory of loved ones and support local families needing our expert and compassionate palliative care.

“We’re inviting everyone to come join us for a feel-good night out under the stars, so why not get together with family, friends or work colleagues and get dressed up in your brightest gear to walk with us.”

Starting and finishing at St Edward’s Prep School in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, there will be live entertainment and uplifting music from The Rock Choir, a vibrant and fun warm up from Clubbercise and refreshments available before setting out on the safe marshalled 10k walk around Cheltenham.

Halfway through the walk, participants are invited to walk through the historic hospice grounds, softly lit with festoon lights and candles, to enjoy hot refreshments and cake in the day hospice. Walkers can also hang a dedication message on a twinkling wall of stars in memory of loved ones.

The event is sponsored for the third year running by CAPITA in Bishop’s Cleeve.

Mark Randall, managing director Life and Pensions, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing our support of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and its annual Starlight Hike so all funds raised on the night can go directly to the expert and compassionate care hospice staff give. Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is a really important local cause to us as so many staff and customers have experienced the hospice’s care.”

Online registration is open now, with adult individual tickets priced at £12 with child tickets £6 for ages 6 to 12, and children aged five and under can participate for free. There are team sign up options available online too.

For more information and to sign up visit www.sueryder.org/leckhamptonslh, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call 01242 395 450.