Dust off your trainers to help out Sue Ryder

AS we leave behind the scorching heat of the summer and approach the turn of the season, we start to look forward to crisp autumnal walks with family and friends – taking in the incredible array of colour in our local outdoor spaces.

Walking in the fresh air is something that many of us appreciate – whether it is to break up our working day, get outside with the dog, or boost our mental and physical wellbeing.

In my role as a Head of Family Support Services at Sue Ryder, I have found

ONCE more I am driven to write due to the continued lack of an information bureau in our town.

This comes after our heritage week when visitors to our town had tramped up and down our High Street, following signs to a non-existent place, with one couple including a lady on crutches.

I know that Councillor Max Wilkinson has said that online is available but the Cheltenham website gets significantly lower hits than Gloucester.

This town, with all its festivals and places of interest, is losing out.

The tourists require interaction. At the Minster, where I am a member of the welcoming team, we are very aware of the disappointed people.

A proud Cheltonian that for many people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, walking can be a particular help – providing much-needed time and space to talk, think and reflect.

That’s why I’m writing to encourage readers to pull on their trainers this October and join us at Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham.

Starting at St Edward’s Preparatory School in Charlton Kings on October 15, the 10k walk under the stars is an opportunity to get together with hundreds of others in your local community to celebrate and remember the life of someone special, while also supporting Sue Ryder.

Last year, Sue Ryder provided over 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.

The funds raised from this special evening of celebration will help Sue Ryder to create a future where everyone has access to expert compassionate care and support at the end of their life or following a bereavement.

You can sign up online until midnight on Sunday (October 9) at sueryder.org/cheltenhamstarlight. Tickets will also be available on the night.

Thank you. With your support we can continue to go the extra mile and be there when it matters.

Mmabotsha Motswaledi Head of Family Support Services, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice

Tourists in our town need information