National healthcare charity, Sue Ryder says that despite the recession, people are getting involved with charity events to do something for a good cause and experience the feel good factor. Over 45% of those who have registered for the charity’s Starlight Hikes have done so simply to raise money for a good cause.
Key Facts
- A quarter of people say they are becoming Starlight Hikers in memory of a loved one who was cared for by Sue Ryder and a third said they did so to join in with friends and family. It’s not all good news though, research from the charity also shows that only 19% of people have ever taken part in a fundraising event for a health charity and a national citizenship survey showed that charitable giving and volunteering is in decline.
The Starlight Hike events are 10k night-time walks which aim to show some of the UK’s most loved landmarks – and fundraising – in a new light. Those who have registered so far have said they did so for a number of reasons.
Through the Starlight Hike events, the charity aims to recruit 10,000 walkers, and raise £1million to help Sue Ryder continue to provide long-term, compassionate and end-of-life care to people across the UK. The Hikes will take place during the dead of night at well-known venues such as Glamis Castle, famed for being the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Other Starlight Hike venues include; Haworth village, home of the Bronte sisters and The Shuttleworth collection, a unique collection of Edwardian flying machines.
The Sue Ryder Starlight Hikes will take place in beautiful locations across the UK, including; Bedford, Cheltenham, Clitheroe, Dundee, Haworth, Leeds, Peterborough and Reading.