On one of the longest days of the year, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity hosted its annual Star Shine Night Walk on Saturday 22 June. Nearly 450 incredible walkers adorned themselves with their brightest accessories to turn the streets of Cambridge green on a 10 and 5 mile route.
The walk attracted people from all areas of Cambridgeshire, as well as some who travelled from as far afield as Aberdeen and Stockport. The youngest walkers were aged just 10, taking part alongside their families. This year saw lots more four legged friends take on the challenge too.
Over 50 teams walked together, from the StarShine Ladies to the Seniors Steppers and the Rugby Boys to The Retail Hub Hobblers. It was fabulous to see some of our local companies come together on the night, including Cheffins, David Clark & Co Ely, Intertek Melbourn and Waitrose in Trumpington.
So many were walking in celebration of loved ones, honouring their memory by displaying their name and heartfelt messages on the back of their Star Shine themed t-shirts. At the start of the evening, everyone took a minute to remember those special to us, and at the end of the evening a display of photos of loved ones and messages welcomed back the walkers.
The event started and finished from Shelford Rugby Club, with Star Radio DJ Andy Lake warming up the crowd with a selection of great music to get them ready. Angela Impey then led a warm up, before a few words from Sara Robbins, Deputy CEO.
The walkers, cheered along by volunteers, supporters and passers-by, were sponsored by their friends, family and colleagues to complete the route. Donations and sponsorships are still coming in, with the total expected to be over £40,000. Money raised will enable the Charity to support people in Cambridgeshire who are living with a life-limiting illness or nearing the end of their life, to live well, fulfil their end-of-life choices and help their loved ones during the difficult time.
Sharon Marshall walked with her husband Mike, and said:
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the most amazing and emotional evening that we had on Saturday. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was blown away from start to finish by the passion, support and kindness from everyone involved and the tea and biscuits were so very welcome and a lovely touch at the finish. I am still buzzing now and am so proud to have got my very first medal, and will wear my t-shirt with pride whenever I go out walking”
Ian Pascu and family walked this year, and Ian said:
“As a family we are taking part in the walk-in memory of my brother Mark who passed away two years ago in Arthur Rank Hospice. He had been in the hospice from January until he passed away in the May. We strongly believe that being in the hospice gave him some extra time, and gave us as a family, the possibility to make more happy memories together. The level of care we saw within the hospice was second to none and nothing was too much trouble. It was particularly comforting for his daughter, who was just 11 at the time, to see her dad in a comforting place and to see him happy.
Team Pascu on the night were made up of me, Mark’s parents- Sue and Eugen and Mark’s daughter Kaylee. Oh, and Molly the mad 2-year-old cockapoo!
Carolyn Start, Head of Fundraising, at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said:
“Star Shine Night Walk is a very special night, a unique event where families and friends come together to remember loved ones and raise much-needed funds to provide vital care and support for people across Cambridgeshire. As the sun set over Cambridge, it created a stunning backdrop for a beautiful walk. Our volunteers were out in force around the city and at the rugby club, registering walkers, making sure everyone safely found their way round and received a well-deserved drink at the end. We would like to thank everyone who made this event such a success.”
Star Shine Night Walk was sponsored by Hamberley Care Home, Cambridge Grove and supported by media partners Star Radio. The event was also made possible thanks to PwC who put up posters, HSBC who signed the route, the Collaboration Choir who sang on the night, the Panic Steel Band who played the walkers out, BlueShed AV who provided all staging and technical set up, Tesco Fulbourn who donated tea and coffee, Raynet for the radio comms and Shelford Rugby Club who hosted us for the night.
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 event, taking place on Saturday 21 June. With a super early bird offer now on, you can sign up for £10 for adults and £5 for children. Register now at arhc.org.uk/ssnw or call 01223 675888 for more information. Star Shine Night Walk is open to children aged 10 and over, when walking with an adult.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire, living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Services are provided free of charge to patients and their families, helping them to make every moment count. They care for more than 3,600 patients each year at our Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes.
For more on Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s care services and their next fundraising events visit arhc.org.uk
