Charity 'moved' by donations after storm hits hike

Some 420 people had been expected to take part in the event, which was cancelled due to the weather

A charity forced to cancel its fundraising walk for a second year running said it was "deeply moved" by people who still donated, raising some £20,000.

About 420 walkers and 90 volunteers were expected to take part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, on 4 October.

However, the charity called off the event, which featured a 5km (3.1 mile) and 10km (6.2 mile) route, after Storm Amy's "dangerously high wind gusts" of up to 40mph (64km/h)were forecast.

Sue Ryder, which offers palliative and bereavement care, had hoped to raise £41,000 through the walk.

Paths in Ferry Meadows in Peterborough have been described as "inaccessible"

It was the second consecutive year extreme weather forced the cancellation of the night-time event, delivering a significant financial blow to the hospice.

Supporters were refunded their registration fee, and "encouraged to complete their own personal starlight hikes in memory of loved ones, at a time and place that suited them", the charity said.

Many "embraced the opportunity, turning disappointment into a powerful tribute", said the charity.

These included members of Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS), who chose to walk in memory of their beloved friend, Tricia.

A representative from Team Tricia told the charity: "We plan to light up the route and sing our way through the 10k, raising vital funds for the incredible Sue Ryder team who cared for Tricia so compassionately in her final weeks."

Aimee Cowling, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: "Having to cancel our Starlight Hike last weekend was a real disappointment for everyone involved.

"But the kindness and generosity shown by the community in response has been truly overwhelming."

In October 2024, walks at Ferry Meadows and Everard Meadow, Bedford, involving some 900 people and 240 volunteers, were also cancelled due to bad weather and flooding.

Severe flooding at Everard Meadow in Bedford forced the event to be called off in 2024