Garden House Hospice Care’s annual Starlight Walk saw glowing participants walk through the night in memory of loved ones.

The Comet: Star of the show: Hayley Dudderidge walked the last mile with the help of daughter Lola.Star of the show: Hayley Dudderidge walked the last mile with the help of daughter Lola. (Image: Archant)

Almost 300 people turned up to shine bright for the night-time walk on Saturday, with many walkers taking part in memory of a loved one, for a personal challenge or for fun – with all of them showing support for Garden House Hospice Care.

The walk started at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth at the earlier time of 9pm, with the six-mile circular route also finishing at the leisure centre.

One incredible starlight walker was Hayley Dudderidge, who acheived her goal of walking the last mile with assistance from her daughter Lola, carer David and hospice nurse Gill Hughes.

Hayley said: “It was wonderful and uplifting experience, staff and volunteers were exceptional, kind and supportive.“

The Comet: Participants went all out with glitter and glow-in-the-dark paint for the Starlight Walk. Picture: Gordon deSousa, Hitchin Photographic ClubParticipants went all out with glitter and glow-in-the-dark paint for the Starlight Walk. Picture: Gordon deSousa, Hitchin Photographic Club (Image: Archant)

Events manager Sophie Bottazzi said: “It was a pleasure to manage the Starlight Walk as my first event for the hospice.

“It was wonderful to meet so many of the community, with some really getting into the spirit in their colourful outfits.

“We would like to ask our fabulous walkers and sponsors to dig deep, and help us reach our £35,000 target for hospice care.

“Next year will be the 10th Starlight Walk so we will be asking to the community again to come out and shine for us.”

The Comet: Participants shining bright for Garden House Hospice Care. Picture: Steve Granger, Hitchin Photographic ClubParticipants shining bright for Garden House Hospice Care. Picture: Steve Granger, Hitchin Photographic Club (Image: Archant)

Staff at the hospice wanted to give special recognition both the walkers and the volunteers and marshals who ensured participants’ safety en route.

They would also like thank North Herts Leisure, LV, Sainsbury’s Letchworth, Tesco, Waitrose Stevenage, Aztek Logistics and all other businesses who gave up their time and equipment to help make the event a success.

For more information about Garden House Hospice Care, see ghhospicecare.org.uk.

The Comet: Garden House Hospice threw a starlight walk event. Picture: Andrew HydeGarden House Hospice threw a starlight walk event. Picture: Andrew Hyde (Image: WWW.AndrewHydePhotographer.co.uk)