Devastated hospice staff, fundraisers and volunteers have been left heartbroken after Storm Amy forced the cancellation of Sue Ryder’s flagship Starlight Hike Peterborough – for the second year in a row.
The popular nighttime walk, which was due to take place this Saturday at Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, had been expected to draw more than 400 walkers and 90 volunteers. But with 40mph winds forecast, organisers said they had no choice but to pull the plug to keep everyone safe.
The decision is a massive blow to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, which relies on the annual event to raise vital funds for its end-of-life and bereavement services. Last year’s cancellation, caused by flooding, cost the charity £41,000 in lost income – money which could have funded more than 1,300 hours of expert care.
Fundraiser Aimee Cowling admitted the decision had left the team “absolutely gutted.” She said: “Not only is it our biggest fundraising event of the year, but it’s also a really meaningful evening for so many people who take part in memory of loved ones. We’re heartbroken for the disappointment this will cause, but everyone’s safety must come first.”
The hike – which offers 5k and 10k routes through the picturesque, tree-lined park – has become a treasured community event, with walkers lighting up the night in memory of family and friends.
All registered participants will be offered full refunds, but organisers are urging supporters to carry out their own “personal Starlight Hike” at a safe time and place to help plug the funding gap.
Allison Mann, Regional Director for Sue Ryder, said: “The cancellation is a huge financial and emotional blow. At a time when demand for our services is rising and costs are increasing; we rely on our community’s generosity more than ever. We hope people will still support us by walking in their own time or by making a donation.”
Despite the setback, other Sue Ryder Starlight Hike events due to take place later this month in Bedford, Reading, Worth Valley, Leeds and Cheltenham will go ahead as planned.
Locals who want to help can donate online at www.sueryder.org/SLHDonate.
As Storm Amy prepares to batter Britain this weekend, the winds may have silenced Peterborough’s Starlight Hike – but hospice staff say the community’s love and determination can still keep its light shining.
