Men, women, children and well-behaved dogs walked under the night sky and set the City aglow with their colourful outfits and twinkling accessories.
Participants selected a 10 or 5-mile route, starting and finishing at Cambridge Rugby Union Football Club, Volac Park.
Groups of friends and work colleagues walked alongside families 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.
Star Radio DJ Andy Lake warmed up the crowd with a selection of great music before they set off at 7pm, following a welcome by the Charity’s CEO Sharon Allen OBE.
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 £30,000. 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.
Three generations of one family walked in memory of Carmen Robinson, of Bourn, naming their group ‘Here’s to you Mrs Robinson’. Husband Peter Robinson said:
“We had mixed emotions, but we knew Carmen wanted us to take part. The care the Hospice at Home team gave us last year was second to none.”
Carly Ransby walked pulling along her two young children in a bike trolley – Ernie (aged 4) and Edward (20 months) – in memory of her husband Neil who was cared for at the Hospice last autumn. She said:
“With two young children I visited every day and nothing was too much trouble for the nurses. I knew when I travelled home at night Neil was in good hands and that was a huge weight off my shoulders. The boys and I were so excited to be part of Star Shine it was emotional, but I might try the 10-mile next year.”
Staff from the adult social care team at Cambridgeshire County Council, who work closely with the Hospice took part, with dog Bruno, because they value the partnership so much and how it supports their service users.
Donna Talbot, Director of Communications and Income Generation at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said:
“It was wonderful night, a fantastic atmosphere. Star Shine is a unique event remembering loved ones and raising much-needed funds to provide vital care and support for people across Cambridgeshire.
“Our incredible army of volunteers were terrific, offering their support at the Rugby Club and at marshal points around the City. We would like to thank everyone who came together and made this event such a success, you are all our shining stars and we hope to see you again next year!”
Star Shine Night Walk was sponsored by Price Bailey and Drinkstuff and supported by media partners Star Radio.
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 4,200 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
