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Rebekah Bircher who last year set out to raise thousands of pounds for charity in memory of her older sister, Kathryn Bircher, is stepping out under the stars this October for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham.
Rebekah from Quedgeley will be joined by a team of thirteen family and friends including her mum, dad, uncles, and aunties for her third Starlight Hike Cheltenham sponsored by Capita on Saturday 21st October 2023, to celebrate Kathryn, who died of cancer aged just 30.
Rebekah said: “Starlight Hike is an amazing occasion. There’s a good balance for me; we have fun with family and friends, and of course raise vital funds for a charity close to my heart, but also there is the opportunity to walk through Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and remember Kat.
“Of course, being at the hospice is emotional for us all, but it’s all done in such a sensitive way and gives us time to reflect. I love seeing other people along the route and reading the names they have pinned to their Sue Ryder t-shirts- people they are walking in memory of too. It makes you feel like you are all in it together.
“Last year we all wore something pink as that is Kat’s favourite colour; my dad wore a pink wig and people would stop and chat to him. There is so much community spirit, with people outside their houses cheering you on. At the last hike, a fire engine went passed us and beeped its horn. There are also refreshments laid on by a local pub along the way,” Rebekah added.
Kathryn was cared for by staff at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and spent her final days at the hospice in 2019. Rebekah, who turned 30 last year, set herself a challenge to raise £30,000 in her sister’s memory.
To date, Rebekah, with support from family and friends, has raised more than £10,500 to help Sue Ryder create a future where everyone has access to expert compassionate care and support at the end of their life or following a bereavement.
Rebekah adds: “Kat would be happy and appreciative that we are taking on the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike again this year and that are continuing to raise vital funds and give back to Sue Ryder and it’s Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice where she felt look after and safe. We can never repay the charity fully for everything they did for Kat, but we are trying in the best way we can to acknowledge the amazing way they cared for her and us as a family.
“We will be nicknaming this event ‘Walk for Kat’ in line with our other fundraisers. Once again, we plan to wear something that reminds us of Kat. She loved bright colours so I think we will go a splash of different colours as part of team outfits this year!”.
Starlight Hike Cheltenham starts at Ashley Manor Preparatory School, formerly known as St Edward’s Preparatory School in Charlton Kings, and it is hoped hundreds of walkers will lace up their trainers in support.
Registration begins at 6pm with an electrifying pre-walk warm up from Clubbercise, and live music entertainment from i-Sing choirs and Got 2 Sing to help build the party atmosphere. At 8pm walkers sporting fancy dress, flashing headwear and neon face paint will set out on a 10k route through Cheltenham.
Sign up now at sueryder.org/starlightcheltenham
Tickets are £15 for adults and £6 for children aged 6-17. Children five and under go free.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
emily