Nearly 500 Star Shine Night Walkers light up Cambridge to support Hospice Care

On Saturday 20 June 2026, as the sun set over Cambridge, nearly 500 walkers took to the city’s streets for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s annual Star Shine Night Walk, raising over £50,000 including Gift Aid, with donations still coming in, which will help fund hospice care across Cambridgeshire.

Participants turned Cambridge green as they completed either a 5- or 10-mile route, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community, remembrance and celebration.

The event continues to attract a diverse mix of supporters each year, including families, friends, corporate teams and individuals. For many, Star Shine Night Walk is a chance to walk in memory of loved ones, while others take part to support friends and family, or simply to experience a unique and uplifting Saturday night.

This year’s event welcomed walkers from across Cambridgeshire and beyond, including participants travelling from Suffolk, Essex and Hertfordshire. In a remarkable show of dedication, one supporter even made the journey from the United States to take part.

The event saw participants of all ages, with the youngest walkers just 10 years old, stepping out alongside their families. At the other end of the spectrum, a team of 14 from Bramley Court Care Home, included one resident aged 92.

Team spirit was stronger than ever, with over half of participants walking as part of a group. Creative team names added to the atmosphere, with groups such as Angie’s Angels, Carol’s Cruisers, CJ’s Cowdudes, Moonlight Movers, Wilbraham 3 and Wimpole Walkers among those taking part.

Local businesses were also well represented, with corporate teams from BHL – Commercial Movers, Bramley Court, CHS Group, Drinkstuff, Intertek Melbourn and Land Economy joining the walk. Event sponsor Regent Construction also showed their support, entering a team of four walkers.

On the night one walker said:

“A lovely event to remember all those who have had the support, care and love of the staff at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, whilst seeing Cambridge sites that one would never normally see.”

Another commented after the walk:

“An amazing cause which brings everyone together in a happy, fun evening, sharing stories that may have a sad ending but know doing this ….means the world to so many individuals family and friends.”

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 Night Walk themed t-shirts.

The event started and finished from Shelford Rugby Club, with DJ Andy Lake from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire 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 Jodie Vaughan, Income Generation & Communications Director and a minute’s silence to remember those special to them.

The event was made possible thanks to a fantastic team of volunteers, who helped on the night to register walkers, marshal, serve refreshments and give out medals, as well as signing the route before the day.

Donations and sponsorship are still coming in, with the total already hitting an amazing £51,000. Money raised will enable the Charity to support people in Cambridgeshire who are living with an advancing serious illness and those who need end of life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services support over 3,750 patients and their families annually, helping people to make every moment count.

At the end of the evening, a display of photos of loved ones and messages welcomed back the walkers. A memory tree kindly gifted by Morgan Sindall gave everyone the opportunity to handwrite a note for their loved one.
Gina Thomas, Events & Challenges Manager, at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, shared her thoughts after the walk:

“Star Shine Night Walk 2026 was a truly special evening. It was incredibly moving to see so many people come together in such a positive and meaningful way to remember loved ones, while supporting others in our community. The generosity and spirit shown across Cambridgeshire is phenomenal.

We are so grateful to everyone who took part, walked in memory, and supported friends and family through sponsorship.”

Many local businesses and organisations supported the event. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity would like to thank event sponsors Regent Construction and 3G Construction Consultants, as well Compass IT for the refreshments at the finish, Vocal Remix Choir who sang on the night, BlueShed AV who provided all staging and technical set up and Raynet for the radio comms. Local stores Tesco Bar Hill and Fulbourn and Morrisons donated snack bars, cakes and water and finally Shelford Rugby Club who hosted everyone so brilliantly on the night.

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For more information about our fundraising events visit arhc.org.uk/fundraising