I haven’t had anyone cared for by Sue Ryder, but as I read about the event I saw people were encouraged to walk in memory of loved ones to help them grieve, and that’s when it struck me. I only lost my Dad a year ago and I am still going through the grieving process myself. It was then I knew I wanted to do this in memory of Dad – and it is such a wonderful idea

I am walking in memory of my father, Ehsan Ul Haq. My father was a most humble, kind and helpful man having worked in immigration and community relations for 50 years.

At age 81 he was still fighting to work – not that he needed the money – but to be of service to people, to enhance their lives.  He came here in the 60s as an immigrant from Pakistan to study accountancy bypassing an offer to attend Harvard to study law. He made a great life for us materially but most importantly his legacy I find after his passing is his honourable intent to better others’ lives, how positive he made people feel, his sincerity in all his conduct and the respect he commanded from all who knew him.

This and his calm sensibility is what I truly miss and can only honour him by emulating those qualities where I can, helping others. He always said help anyone you can who needs it.

I think Dad would be touched I am walking for him, but he was such a practical man I think he would also say ‘that’s really good exercise for you’ before asking me what time I will be home as it is a night-time walk!”

I have always been a Muslim. I pray five times a day and during our last prayer at night I look towards heaven and see the stars. I know Dad is up there with loved ones. It is my belief that I will meet him again one day. When I walk Starlight Hike I will look up to the stars and remember him.

Everyone is warmly welcome to take part, whether they’ve been touched by the care of Sue Ryder or not. To sign up visit www.sueryder.org/hikecheltenham

You can contact the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice fundraising team with any queries by emailing leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or calling 01242 395450