2026 Starlight Hike!
The annual Sue Ryder Starlight Hike took place on Saturday, 3rd October at Everard Meadow, Bedford, with almost 300 participants taking on either the 5k or 10k night-time walk under the stars.
Supporting the event as part of the Province’s Community Engagement programme, Bedfordshire Freemasons provided a team of 35 volunteers, including their wives, partners, family and friends.
Our volunteers were busy(!) – helping organise car parking, assisting with the event set-up and, most importantly, marshalling the route. The circular course took walkers from Everard Meadow over Longholme Bridge, along the Embankment, through Russell Park, under the Town Bridge and across Country Bridge before returning along the south side of the Embankment.
The walkers, accompanied by several enthusiastic four-legged friends, were easy to spot in their Sue Ryder T-shirts, brightly decorated with flashing lights. Our Bedfordshire Freemasons marshals were equally visible in their hi-vis vests, offering directions, encouragement and plenty of smiles along the way.
With music, a bar and various food outlets adding to the atmosphere, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening for participants and volunteers alike.
For more pictures of the event play this short video!
Here is an email note of thanks from Tori Ablard Regional Head of Hospice Fundraising – St John’s Hospice & Thorpe Hall Hospice, who states in that email:
“I want to share a huge thank you from both me and the Sue Ryder team for so kindly giving up your Saturday to support us. If you wouldn’t mind, please can I ask that you send this email out to all of your Freemasons that helped us make the evening possible.”
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Steve Attwood, also expresses his grateful thanks to all who took part, see here
Most importantly, the event is expected to have raised around £50,000 for Sue Ryder.
Events such as the Starlight Hike demonstrate that community engagement is about much more than fundraising.
Giving our time, supporting local organisations and helping make community events possible can be every bit as valuable – and just as rewarding.