Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is inviting people to sign up to Starlight Hike, a 10k walk under the stars taking place in the beautiful grounds of Temple Newsam on 26th September 2015.
Join them under the stars for a night of fun and laughter, with a chance to remember loved ones in an enchanting and reflective starlight avenue. With live music taking you from the main stage and entertaining you round the route, the Starlight Hike is a night out with a difference, all the while raising money for Wheatfields Hospice.
People taking part in the event are invited to arrive early to register and enjoy the entertainment area, where there will be music, stalls and refreshments available. After a warm-up, it will be time to set off at 10pm and follow a marshalled route covering 10K of landscaped gardens and parkland at the historic estate.
Fundraising events such as these are so important to the hospice so they can continue their incredible care. Established over 35 years ago, Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice not only provides specialist medical care to ease pain and discomfort, but also offers people and their families emotional support during what can be an extremely difficult time. They do this by providing a range of services so that people can have choice and control over how and where they receive their care.
They also provide a free bereavement counselling service to help families cope with the loss of a loved one and the trained staff can also offer practical help.
Charlotte Stern Senior Hospice Fundraiser said “Most people believe that someone who is cared for in a hospice is going to die there, but this is not a true picture of what hospice care is about. For instance 60% of people cared for at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice return home. People can access the hospice care services just for a few days or for a number of years. This depends on their personal circumstances: some people might come to the hospice for pain control or for an assessment that might result in changes to their medication.
All our care services are completely free of charge to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £4m to run the hospice and only part of these costs are covered by statutory funds. This year we need to raise £1.8m in donations to continue to provide our specialist care services. The Starlight Hike is a magical and fun night. It helps us to continue the specialist care services we provide, that benefits many people in need of help and support”.
Clare Russell, Head of Clinical Services at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said;
“Last year it was my first Starlight Hike, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I had only been at the hospice as Head of Clinical Services for a few months, but was really keen to get involved with some of the fantastic fundraising events at Wheatfields Hospice. I had already started to realise the importance of these events for the hospice, and had seen first-hand the difference these funds make to the day to day running of the hospice and the impact on patient care and experience. I felt really privileged to take part in the event with my children, the atmosphere was fantastic and everyone was so friendly”.
The Starlight Hike is open to men, women, children and their dogs with the aim of raising £35,000 towards the cost of running Wheatfields Hospice, the sign up of more than 300 walkers, will help to pay for 700 bereavement counselling sessions for someone struggling with the loss of a loved one.
Crossing the finishing line, you’ll be rewarded with a well-deserved breakfast and a jam-packed goody bag, knowing you’ve done something incredible for local people living with life-changing illnesses. Every penny raised through sponsorship will help them to continue to provide incredible hospice care to patients and their families, both at Wheatfields and out in the local community.
Sign up now and help them to continue to provide incredible hospice care in your local community.
Registration couldn’t be easier
You can visit www.sueryder.org/Starlighthike/wheatfields
Call 0113 2033 377 or email charlotte.stern@sueryder.org
Registration includes entry to the walk, Starlight Hike T-shirt, fundraising pack, a delicious hot breakfast and jam packed goody bag when you finish the walk.
Registration fees: Adults – £15, Group of 4 – £50, Group of 10 – £100. Children (15 or under) Go free!
You can also register on the night but places are limited so sign up now to avoid disappointment.