‘Team Glynda’ gets set to step out for Sue Ryder for the second time

Cheltenham

A group of 15 family and friends from in and around Cheltenham will be taking part in this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in memory of Glynda, a much-loved Stanway woman.

Among the team of fundraisers stepping out under the stars on 17 October is Glynda’s daughter, Gemma Thomas, and her 11-year-old daughter, Caoilfhinn. Gemma said: “After Mum died, we knew we wanted to do something to give back. We knew how much it costs to provide the compassionate palliative care mum received, so we wanted to raise money to help other families.”
“I'd done charity walks before and suggested the Starlight Hike to my dad. At first, it was just going to be the two of us, but then more family members joined. We got my cousin involved, my best friend, and even my grandad, who was 80 at the time.”
“There was never really a question that I would sign up again this year. I know Mum would be proud of us, and taking part in her memory feels like the right thing to do.”
This year, Gemma will be joined by her dad, one of her stepsisters and her three children, her eldest daughter’s boyfriend, her brother-in-law, two of his children and his mum, as well as Gemma’s cousin and his girlfriend. Also taking part is a former colleague of Glynda’s from the Stanton Village Club in Stanton who will continue his support for Sue Ryder following his second pub fundraiser recently, which raised around £1,550 for the charity.
Glynda was cared for last year at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in the final days of her life. Gemma shared what Sue Ryder’s support meant to her and her family.
“It was an incredibly sad time, but every single person at the hospice was amazing. Staff kept my children, nieces and nephews entertained, they supported my nan who has mobility issues, and they always kept us informed.
“We used the family room a lot and it was such a special place. You were still close to Mum, but it gave you a little space to breathe, have something to eat and gather your thoughts.”
“The Sue Ryder Nurses were wonderful,” Gemma added. “One of them knew I was diabetic and every time she came on shift she'd check if I'd eaten. It sounds like a small thing, but it meant so much.
“For Mum, they kept her comfortable and always respected her wishes. They listened to her and treated her with such kindness.”
“Even towards the end of her life, when Mum became a little confused, the staff were wonderful. They never dismissed her. They just reassured her and treated her with dignity. We were all with her when she died and for that I will always be grateful.”
Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham, sponsored by Allstone Speedy Skips and Monster Mix, sets off from Ashley Manor Preparatory School on Saturday 17 October.
Participants are invited to walk a 10km route, following a route around the spa town before passing through the tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, making every step count in memory of someone important to them.
Gemma continued: “Taking part in Starlight Hike so soon after Mum died was emotional. The hardest part was walking back up to the hospice, somewhere my dad and I hadn't visited since she died. But the atmosphere was incredible.”
“As our team approached the finish line, the organisers announced that Team Glynda was coming in, and we were met with cheers and applause. It was such a special moment.”
Last year the group raised around £4,500. “We were absolutely over the moon because we knew it would help another family receive the same support we'd had,” Gemma said.
Standard tickets for this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham start from £20 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and special medal at the finish line. Teams of five or more can get 20% off their registration fee with the code TEAM20. Participants are encouraged to raise a suggested sponsorship of £100 or more per adult.
To find out more and to sign up, visit: sueryder.org/StarlightCheltenham
To support Team Glynda’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/team-glynda-2

 

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