A 25-year-old will be remembering her "one of a kind" grandmother when she joins hundreds of others to walk under the stars next month.

Sophie Colwill will be taking part in Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley on October 5, alongside her family, in memory of her grandmother, Valerie.

The event is a 10k walk at Mapledurham Estate, in South Oxfordshire, and sees hundreds of people, some dressed in neon or lights, walking to remember their loved ones while raising funds for Sue Ryder.

The charity, which runs a palliative care hub in South Oxfordshire, works to ensure everyone approaching the end of their lives or living with grief can access support.

Ms Colwill wanted to give back to the charity after the care and support it gave her grandmother last year.

Sophie Colwill wrote a message in memory of her grandmother at last year's eventSophie Colwill wrote a message in memory of her grandmother at last year's event (Image: Sue Ryder)

She said: "My grandma Valarie was cared for by Sue Ryder nurses in May 2023. My grandma was a very cheeky person, and the staff absolutely loved her.

"They would sing with her and have a laugh together; the nurses were so warm and caring. They made a difficult time in our lives a lot easier.

"When I saw the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike advertised a bit later on I thought it would be the perfect event to get involved in.

"I was feeling quite down about my grandma passing away and I wanted to raise money for Sue Ryder because of all the support they had given her and my family.

"I also wanted to have a special evening where we could remember her."

She added: "The Starlight Hike is such a wholesome event.

"It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the people you love who have died, but also a fantastic way to raise money for a charity who supports you in every way.

"The event has music, lights, and last year they had a choir - there’s entertainment throughout the night.

"Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, it makes you remember we are all there for the same reason, each with our own personal stories.

"I remember feeling quite emotional halfway around the walk where they had a space to write a dedication for the person you are walking for.

"I’m really proud to support Sue Ryder – last year we raised £400 from the Starlight Hike and we try and do as much as we can to support in other ways.

"My dad and brother even climbed Snowden for Sue Ryder and raised £1,000.

"We’re really looking forward to joining this year’s Starlight Hike and can’t wait to join all the other walkers for a magical evening."