Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is inviting people to take part in its 10th annual Starlight Hike on September 22, to remember loved ones and raise money.

The Moggerhanger-based hospice is hoping that walkers will dig out their neon outfits and glow sticks and raise sponsorship in support of the care it provides.

The evening will start off with a mass Zumba warm-up. Participants will then have the choice between the 5k or 10k route, starting from the hospice and going through the surrounding countryside.

There will be plenty of entertainment for all ages on offer along the routes – including food and drink stalls, a glitter bar, choirs and a cheerleading squad. There will also be a stage, from which local bands will entertain the crowds.

The hike will include a trip down Starlight Avenue, a quiet area of reflection where people will be able to display a star dedicated to their loved one.

The hospice is encouraging participants to try to raise at least £135, which would help fund a nurse at the hospice for an entire day. Sue Ryder is a charity, and it costs £9,000 a day to run all of the services at St John’s.

Fred Allen – whose wife Gail was a patient at the hospice in 2014 – wants to encourage others to take part in the Starlight Hike.

He said: “When my wife Gail was battling bowel cancer in the latter days of her life it was suggested that she spend some time in the care of St John’s Hospice.

“She did and they treated her so well that she became calm and relaxed and more able to face her future.

“Of course, my family and I realised how hard the Sue Ryder nurses work to achieve this. I vowed that one day I would repay our debt to St John’s Hospice, even though it is not expected – so I am now a volunteer.”

Community fundraiser Aimee Jepson said: “For one special night, we would love for people to be a star and join us for a magical night-time walk.

“The funds raised through sponsorship will help us to continue to provide hospice care to our patients and their families, both here at the hospice and out in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire communities.”

To register for the Starlight Hike, go tosueryder.org/stjohnsstarlighthike or call the fundraising team on 01767 642 412.

This year’s Starlight Hike is sponsored by M&DH Insurance and the Paviour Doctor.