Storm-soaked site cancels charity night hike
7 minutes ago
A waterlogged route and a forecast for more heavy rain and strong winds have led to a charity calling off its fundraising night hike.
The Sue Ryder Starlight Hike was set to see about 300 people walk either 5k (three miles) or 10k (six miles) around the grounds of the Mapledurham Estate in Reading from 18:00 BST.
The charity said cancelling the walk was "a huge blow" as it was set to raise more than £50,000 for the charity which runs Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire.
Walkers who were set to take part are being asked to plan their own walk in memory of a loved one at a time and place that feels meaningful.
Announcing the cancellation, the charity said heavy rain and strong winds on Friday from Storm Austen had left the venue waterlogged, with more bad weather expected on Saturday eveningas Storm Boelo sweeps in.
The charity, which offers offers palliative and bereavement support, said: "With the venue waterlogged and further adverse weather forecast for the South East everyone's safety must take priority."
Ashni Parmar, regional team manager for Sue Ryder Thames Valley, added: "We are really disappointed to cancel our much-loved Starlight Hike Thames Valley.
"So much work goes into the planning and promoting the event, and I want to thank our wonderful sponsors, partners and volunteers, for their dedication and support. "
"Starlight Hike is not only our biggest fundraising event in our calendar, but is also a poignant event for many people, giving them the chance to come together and celebrate people who are important to them.
"We are so sorry for all our supporters and volunteers who we know will be feeling just as disappointed as we are."
Those who signed up for Saturday's hike are being offered a full refund.
