A CHARITY in Reading is on track to raise more than £40,000 to support healthcare with its regular hiking event.
Sue Ryder has announced the mammoth figure was raised through its annual Starlight Hike.
The event sees groups and individuals taking part in a five-or-ten kilometre hike from the grounds of Pangbourne College.
Four hundred participants took park in walking under the night sky, with many taking part in the warm-up Clubbercise event and donning glow-in-the-dark accessories.
Attendees were also invited to give dedications to honour someone close to them, and awarded a medal on completion of the challenge.
The Thames Valley event is now expected to raise more than £40,000, which will support the charity’s works providing palliative care to families across the country, including the Duchess of Kent Hospice and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire.
Fern Pilutkiewicz, Head of Fundraising for Thames Valley, said: “What an incredible evening! Thanks so much to everyone who took part.
“It was amazing to see everyone shining bright in dazzling outfits and spectacular accessories, celebrating the memory of their loved ones while helping to raise funds so that Sue Ryder continues to be there when it matters”
She added: “We’re also extremely grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, our fabulous host Mary Flavelle, as well as Clubbercise with Sarah, our band One in the Chamber, Rock Choir Reading and Kris King Guitar Player for entertaining the crowds in such an energetic and fun way.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to the staff at Pangbourne College, Core Event Hire and Provide Security – without all your support we wouldn’t be able to put on this fantastic event each year.”
She explained: “Our Sue Ryder teams work tirelessly to ensure that our patient’s symptoms and pain are managed so that the end of people’s lives can instead be filled with friendship, family, and love in those final moments together.
“By taking part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley, you have helped us provide more care to more people.
“Next year’s Starlight Hike will take place next October and we hope to welcome you back.”
