A Reading resident is set to join hundreds of people in a charity walk under the stars.
Sophie Colwill, 25, will be taking part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley on October 5 alongside her family, in memory of her 'one of a kind' grandma, Valerie.
The event, sponsored by Azego and Gravity Personnel, is a 10km walk held at the Mapledurham Estate.
Participants, many dressed in neon or lights, walk to remember loved ones while raising funds for Sue Ryder, a charity providing support for those nearing the end of their lives or living with grief.
Ms Colwill was inspired to participate in the walk after the care and support her grandma received from Sue Ryder last year.
She said: "My grandma Valerie was cared for at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in May 2023.
"My grandma was a very cheeky person, and the staff absolutely loved her.
"They would sing with her and have a laugh together; the nurses were so warm and caring.
"They made a difficult time in our lives a lot easier."
Ms Colwill described the Starlight Hike as a 'wholesome' event, saying: "It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the people you love who have died, but also a fantastic way to raise money for a charity who supports you in every way.
"The event has music, lights, and last year they had a choir – there’s entertainment throughout the night.
"Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, it makes you remember we are all there for the same reason, each with our own personal stories.
"There’s a real feeling of togetherness."
Ms Colwill and her family raised £400 from last year’s Starlight Hike and have supported Sue Ryder in other ways, such as donating to charity shops.
Her father and brother climbed Snowdon for the charity, raising £1,000
Ms Colwill said: "I’m really proud to support Sue Ryder.
"We’re really looking forward to joining this year’s Starlight Hike and can’t wait to join all the other walkers for a magical evening."
The event is open for sign-ups, with standard tickets starting from £20 per adult, and those who can't join the walk can also volunteer for the hike.
Sue Ryder has been a source of support for over 70 years for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
The charity campaigns for everyone approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time, and seeks to break down barriers to talking about dying and grief.
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