Our mum was cared for by Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall earlier this year.

It was genuinely the first time after 12 months in the palliative care system that she actually had the care, support and attention she so deserved.

When she entered the hospice she was finally treated like the strong willed, funny, confident, mischievous woman that she was, no longer just a number.

The team at Sue Ryder had time to care for mum and also offered a supporting hand to her family and many friends that were regular visitors during her 27 day stay.

It’s difficult to describe the loss we feel as a family, mum is irreplaceable. We miss her beaming smile, her love, her words of support and encouragement (as well as a tiny bit of well deserved berating, now and again).

I will say all the cliche things, because, 100%, these cliches were written for mum.

She lit up a room with her smile, she brightened your day with her positive attitude, she had confidence like no one else, she absolutely loved life and anyone who was lucky enough to meet mum, even for the shortest of moments would struggle to forget her.

I struggle to imagine what it would have been like if Sue Ryder were not on hand to support mum and us in her final weeks.

This is why, in her memory, myself and Alice are taking part in the 10k Starlight Hike, so other people do not have to face death and grief alone.

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike is a series of 5k or 10k walks taking place in various locations around the country this October. They provide an opportunity to get together with family and friends under the stars to remember and celebrate the life of someone special and help ensure no one faces death or grief alone.

£20 could pay for a patient’s meals for the day in one of our hospices. We always do our best to cater for someone’s individual preferences and dietary requirements.

£25 could fund an hour of expert care, so our Sue Ryder doctors and nurses can help manage patients’ pain and symptoms.

£40 could provide our personalised text support service Sue Ryder Grief Coach to someone who is grieving for a year, as well as gentle coaching for friends and family who want to support them.