A Wootton woman is stepping out in memory of her late mother at this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike in Bedford, joining hundreds of others walking to remember someone special.
Maria Robertson, a beauty salon owner, will take part in the popular annual event alongside her sister Selina Owens, her children, and extended family to honour Carmela Aloia, who was cared for by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in August 2024.
Calling themselves ‘Team Carmela’, the group will light up the night with LED gear and glow sticks as they walk the charity’s illuminated route in Bedford’s Everard Meadow on Saturday, 11 October.
“We saw the flyer at the hospice while Mum was still with us and said, ‘We should do this.’ She knew we were planning to take part. She’d have loved it – and she’d be really proud of us,” said Maria.
Carmela, who had retired from a banking career to help care for her grandchildren, was a much-loved member of her community in Putnoe.
“Everyone loved her”
“Mum was straight-talking. No nonsense. But everyone loved her. Family was everything to her. Taking part in this walk feels like a positive way to honour her memory and raise funds for a cause close to our hearts,” said Maria.
After a hospital stay, Carmela was transferred to the Sue Ryder hospice in Moggerhanger for respite care during radiotherapy – an experience Maria said left a lasting impression.
“At the hospice, she was comfortable, she was happy, and she was visited by all of us. The nurses went above and beyond – all the staff did.
“One night, a nurse even massaged her legs while she slept to ease her pain. That kind of care – it was just beautiful.
“Mum loved the gardens and the surroundings. It was so peaceful. At the end, there were about 25 people in her room when she died. All her closest friends and the family. We were all there.”
Since her diagnosis, the family has raised more than £8,500 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, intending to hit £10,000 through this year’s Starlight Hike.
“We’ve raised money before, but this felt different. We have seen where the money actually goes and who it helps. We saw how much love and care Mum received. Everyone we’ve spoken to at the hospice has been amazing.”
Sponsored by Concept Event Solutions, this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike will see walkers take on either a 5k or 10k route, with live entertainment, a glow stick dance warm-up, and a chance to walk in memory or celebration of someone special.
For Maria, it’s also a chance to bring the family together. With cousins and children aged 6 to 11 taking part, she hopes it’ll be as fun as it is meaningful.
“It’ll be good. A chance for all of us to come together, do something positive, and raise awareness and money. We want to help however we can.”
You can support Maria’s fundraising here.
To sign up for the hike yourself, visit: sueryder.org/StarlightBedford or contact the fundraising team via email at stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642412.
Volunteer route marshals are also needed to support Starlight Hike and help make the evening truly special. Get in touch with the fundraising team to find out more.
