Over 550 Star Shine Walkers take to the streets of Cambridge

23 June 2025

Share this article

As the sun set over Cambridge on the longest night of the year, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity hosted its annual Star Shine Night Walk on Saturday 21 June.

Over 550 incredible walkers adorned themselves with their brightest accessories to turn the streets of Cambridge green on a 10 and 5 mile route.

The walk attracted people from all areas of Cambridgeshire, as well as some who travelled from as far afield as Aberdeen, Brighton and Salisbury! The youngest walkers were aged just 10, taking part alongside their families, with the eldest participant being 87!

A record number of 70 teams took part this year, with groups joining from local gyms, family members, friends, local companies and more. Team ‘Waitrose 651’ returned once again, representing the Trumpington store, ‘Over Power Gym’ in Huntington and Cambridge had large teams, and many more from ‘The Wild Geese’, ‘The Menopause Marchers’ and ‘Init Together’.

So many were walking in celebration of loved ones, honouring their memory by displaying their name and heartfelt messages on the back of their Star Shine themed t-shirts.

The event started and finished from Shelford Rugby Club, with DJ Andy Lake warming up the crowd with a selection of great music to get everyone ready. Angela Impey then led a warm up, before a few words from Antoinette Jackson, Chair of Trustees and a minute’s silence to remember those special to them.

The walkers, cheered along by volunteers, supporters and passers-by, were sponsored by their friends, family and colleagues to complete the route. An incredible £57,000 has already been raised, with donations and sponsorships still coming in.

Money raised will enable the Charity to support people in Cambridgeshire who are living with a life-limiting illness or nearing the end of their life, to live well, fulfil their end-of-life choices and help their loved ones during the difficult time.

Dean Philbrick, walked with his 12 year old son Zachary, took part in the Starshine walk for the first time this year (2025) and said “We had an absolutely amazing time. We managed the 10 mile route and thoroughly enjoyed walking around beautiful Cambridge. The route took us past some of the best sites including King’s College and the Fitzwilliam Museum. The atmosphere was poignant, over 500 people ready to walk for the loved ones they have lost, but the send off by the DJ and the Hospice staff and volunteers got everyone hyped and ready to walk. All the way around the walk we had many interactions with the other walkers that really made the event even more special and the two ladies we walked the last three miles with in particular really helped keep us going to the finish line. Big thanks to the staff and volunteers again for making it such a great day and what a privilege to give a little back to such a wonderful Hospice doing such amazing work.”

At the end of the evening, a display of photos of loved ones and messages welcomed back the walkers. This year a memory tree kindly gifted by Morgan Sindall gave everyone the opportunity to handwrite a note for their loved one.

Carolyn Start, Head of Fundraising, at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, shared her thoughts after the walk:

“We are so grateful to everyone who made Star Shine Night Walk the very special night that it was. Raising over £50,000 in a single night showcases the dedication and generosity of the walkers, and their family and friends who donated. Star Shine is a unique event, as so many people are walking to remember loved ones. The funds raised will make a significant impact to the lives of those cared for by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered and supported us in this journey.”

This event was only made possible with thanks to so many local businesses and organisations. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity would like to thank: Hamberley Care Home, Cambridge Grove for sponsoring the t-shirts, Costello Medical for sponsoring the medals, Huttie group for the detachables, Compass IT and Homemade Cupcakes Delight for the refreshments at the finish, the Vocal Remix Choir who sang on the night, Angela Impey who got the crowd warmed up, Andy Lake from Cambridge Radio providing pre-walk entertainment and Frank Taylor who played the walkers out, BlueShed AV who provided all staging and technical set up and Raynet for the radio comms, The photographers, Richard Foister and a team led by Bill Lawton Photography. Local stores Tesco, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons donated snack bars, cakes and water, and finally Shelford Rugby Club who hosted everyone so brilliantly on the night.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the event next year, taking place on Saturday 20 June 2026. With a super early bird offer now on, you can sign up for £12 for adults and £7 for children. Register now at arhc.org.uk/ssnw or call 01223 675888 for more information. Star Shine Night Walk is open to children aged 10 and over, when walking with an adult.