Sue Ryder is encouraging supporters to take part in their own Starlight Hike after severe weather forced the cancellation of its flagship Thames Valley fundraising event.
The annual 5km or 10km walk was due to take place on Saturday 24 October, with around 300 walkers and 35 volunteers expected to attend.
However, heavy rain, strong winds and a waterlogged venue have forced organisers to cancel the event on safety grounds.
The hike was expected to raise more than £50,000 for the charity, which provides palliative and end-of-life care through services including Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.
Despite the disappointment, supporters are being encouraged to keep the spirit of the event alive by taking part in Starlight Hike Your Way.
The initiative allows people to organise their own 10km walk at a time and place that is meaningful to them, while remembering loved ones and raising vital funds.
Ashni Parmar, Regional Team Manager for Sue Ryder Thames Valley, said: “Starlight Hike is not only our biggest fundraising event in our calendar, but is also a poignant event for many people, giving them the chance to come together and celebrate people who are important to them.”
Sue Ryder provided more than 655,000 hours of expert care last year, supported by fundraising events like Starlight Hike.
All registered participants are being contacted directly and offered a full refund.
Those wishing to take part in their own walk can find details at sueryder.org/StarlightYourWay.
Donations can also be made through the charity’s Starlight Hike Thames Valley fundraising page.