Sunset Starlight Walk returns for fifteenth year

Our annual Sunset Starlight Walk will take place on Saturday 7th September from 6.30pm. Starting and finishing at Letchworth Hall Hotel, the event comprises of a 6.5 mile circular walk around local countryside and villages before winding back into town.

This is event a ‘a walk to remember’, with some supporters taking part to remember a loved one, and others using the experience to challenge themselves or make new memories. Groups of friends, families and colleagues are encouraged to take part, and dogs are also welcome to join the late summer’s walk.

A family walk, jump and smile their way through last year’s Sunset Starlight Walk.
(Credit: Bunny Hugging Volunteer)

Adam Brockett is our Product and Events Development Lead:
“Every year we look forward to this event as it really is one of our favourites, seeing the community come together. As a new treat this year, walkers will be set off to the sounds of Hitchin Rock Choir. They can expect familiar light and sound experiences along the route, which includes our now renowned ‘tunnel of lights’.

“Last year, walkers were treated to a glorious sunset and although we can’t promise the same this year - especially with the recent weather - it’s simply a nice addition to what is already a great countryside walk as the sun goes down and the stars come out.”

The ‘glorious’ sunset at last year’s Sunset Starlight Walk
(Credit: Bunny Hugging Volunteer)

Kathryn Hares is the Supporter Care Coordinator at the Hospice. She has been a part of every Sunset Starlight Walk as a participant, volunteer and staff member since it began in 2009 and has enjoyed seeing the walk develop over the last 15 years:

“Initially, the event was a Starlight Walk which was ten miles long and started at midnight. It was targeted at women only as ‘a special night for special ladies’ and the first year I walked around with two men in drag - it was a great laugh.

“Since 2009 I have spoken to and had the privilege to get to know so many of our wonderful supporters, either walking with them (although never in drag!), meeting them as a volunteer on the night where I have tried most roles, or processing their registrations and answering their queries over the phone.

“There’s always so much excitement around Sunset Starlight Walk at this time of year and it’s amazing to see people continue to enjoy it after so long.”

A leaflet from the Hospice’s first Starlight Walk in 2009.

Compared to this time last year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of walkers already signed up. We now need to raise £7.7 million a year to provide palliative care for free in North Hertfordshire and we are hopeful Sunset Starlight Walk will raise a minimum of £30,600 in sponsorship, which would fund our entire services for two days.

Tickets are £23 for adults and £10 for under-18s. Register now and join us as we ‘light up the night’.