Preparations are underway for St Wilfrid's Hospice’s next big fundraising event, Starlight Stroll, and time is running out to buy early bird tickets before the end of July.

Starlight Stroll is the charity's much-loved sponsored walk along Eastbourne Promenade. Taking place on Saturday 12th September, walkers can choose to complete a 5 or 10-mile route under the stars and lay a special lantern in the Italian Gardens to remember a loved one who has died, or simply to reflect on the work of the hospice. Every walker receives a Starlight Stroll T-shirt and commemorative medal.

St Wilfrid's volunteer, Louise Cullen, first found out about the hospice when she spotted streams of walkers along the seafront a few years ago. “I happened to get talking to somebody when they were actually doing Starlight Stroll. The following day I did a little bit of research and then visited the hospice café for a coffee, and I’ve helped out ever since. Volunteering at Starlight Stroll whenever I can is one of my highlights as it’s such a positive, uplifting evening,” she said.

“St Wilfrid’s is like a big family. I love the fact I’m supporting something I really care about, and I really enjoy doing it. I lost my mum and sister many moons ago and my family never talked about it, so it’s helped me a lot.”

Events Manager, Beth Hillier, said: “Starlight Stroll is such a special event and whether you are a seasoned stroller, or this will be your first, we can’t wait to welcome you to walk with us beside the sea, light up Eastbourne promenade and help raise vital funds for local hospice care. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up, as well as our sponsors, Whiteline and Team Frames, for their ongoing support.”

For more information or to buy tickets, visit stwhospice.org/starlight

The hospice is also looking for businesses to sponsor its Starlight Stroll matched giving day, which is when an organisation matches the amount a supporter donates or fundraises on a particular day, and can significantly increase income. If you are interested, please contact fundraising@stwhospice.org

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides high-quality care and support for people across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and all points between) with life-limiting illnesses.

Picture caption: Louise at last year’s Starlight Stroll