Woman’s end-of-life care inspires brother to join Sue Ryder Starlight Hike one year after death 

A fundraiser will take part in a charity walk in Bedfordshire under the stars in memory of his sister – one year after she received "absolutely phenomenal" end-of-life care at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. 

James Tomlin, 46, from Hitchin, will join friends and family for the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford on Saturday 3 October – marking 12 months since his older sister Hayley Tomlin died from cervical cancer. 

The mother-of-one, from Biggleswade, spent about five weeks at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger towards the end of her life, after her condition deteriorated following her cancer diagnosis in July 2024. 

Hayley died in early October 2025, aged 48, with the people important to her by her side.  

Her friend Sarah Smith has organised a group to take part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford as Team Hayley, with James also encouraging some of his own friends to join them. 

The annual event gives participants the choice of a 5km or 10km route from Everard Meadows, with walkers encouraged to take part in memory of someone special. 

James, an operations director, said the hospice had "gone above and beyond" to care for Hayley and her family during an incredibly difficult time. 

“It just felt like it was a home from home,” James said. “It could have been very clinical, it could have been very procedural, but they took their duty of care very seriously.  

"All of the doctors knew the situation, all of the Sue Ryder Nurses knew my sister and they were sympathetic to people coming in at different times. 

“The whole facility was fantastic. It was a dark time, but it was made better by the fact that we were going into such a well-organised, vibrant place where everyone was so friendly.” 

Hayley, who worked for the RSPB, was a sociable person who enjoyed spending time with her daughter Darcy, partner Jamie, and close-knit group of friends. 

James said taking part in the hike was a way for the family to remember Hayley while helping ensure other families can receive the same support. 

He is encouraging others to join him to help raise funds towards Sue Ryder’s palliative and end of life care for people living with a terminal illness, including across Bedfordshire.  

Sue Ryder also provides online bereavement support including a bereavement community and resources on coping with grief – offering hope, dignity and kindness when it matters most.  

He added: “We’ve benefited from something great. We’ve had that experience, and I can only say positive things about all of it. 

“I do this for the memory of my sister, but also to give something back and say thank you. 

“We want to make sure that Sue Ryder continues to give the care that they give today.” 

Sue Ryder’s Starlight Hike Bedford takes place from Everard Meadows on Saturday 3 October.  

The evening, sponsored by Concept Event Solutions, begins at 5.30pm with refreshments, live entertainment and a glow-stick fitness session before walkers set off at 7pm along a sparkling route featuring entertainment. 

Adult tickets start from £20 and include a T-shirt and medal, while participants are encouraged to raise £100 or more in sponsorship. Teams of five or more can receive 20% off registration using code TEAM20. 

Last year, Sue Ryder provided more than 655,000 hours of expert care, including at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, thanks to the support of people taking part in fundraising events such as Starlight Hike. 

More information is available at sueryder.org/StarlightBedford.