Yeadon woman to walk Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds to thank charity that cared for her husband at home

Tracey Fowler, 53, has signed up to take a walk under the stars in memory of her husband Bob Fowler.  

After being diagnosed with stage four cancer in October 2025, Bob was cared for at home by Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice's Community Nurse Specialist team before he died in June 2026, aged 74. 

Bob had always been a home bird and wanted to remain at home with Tracey and with support from Community Nurse Specialist Nicola, he was able to remain at home and spend his final months where he wanted to be. 

To give back to the charity that supported Bob in his final months, Tracey will be walking the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds, which sets off from the University of Leeds in the city centre on Saturday October 10. 

Tracey, who works as a manager in health and social care supporting people with complex needs, said: "Bob was absolutely a home bird and was happy as long as he could be at home. All he wanted was to be at home with me. 

"The care from Nicola enabled Bob to remain at home with dignity and not feel pressured to go into hospital or a hospice. 

"The support at home allowed Bob to end his life in a dignified way. I'll be forever grateful for what Sue Ryder did." 

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds participants are invited to walk a brand new 5km or 10km route, heading from the University of Leeds and out to Headingley. 

This year, for the first time in more than five years, the route will bypass the beautiful gardens at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, where there will be a dedication area for walkers to pause, reflect and remember the people important to them. 

Taking part will help raise funds towards Sue Ryder’s palliative and end of life care for people living with a terminal illness, both at home and at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingly, Leeds. 

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. 

Tracey said the event would allow her to pay tribute to Bob, while keeping his legacy alive. 

She said: "When somebody dies who's very close to you, you worry that people will forget them.  

"I signed up because I wanted to do as much as I could to keep Bob's memory alive and give something back to Sue Ryder at the same time. 

“The Starlight Hike appealed to me because it's around the city and not a hike up Ben Nevis that I could never achieve,” she said  

“It was something that felt very achievable but also had an element of fun.” 

Tracey will be joined by her daughter-in-law Claire and close friend Miriam, who stayed with her throughout Bob's final days.  

Having already raised more than £500 for Sue Ryder, Tracey hopes to raise as much as possible so other families can receive the same care. 

“Miriam is a nurse, and she stayed with me every night during the last week when Bob was dying, while also going to her full-time job as a nurse. 

“During the walk, I’ll think about the last few weeks with Bob, as they are still quite raw. I’ll be thinking about the support we received, especially the visits we had from Nicola at Sue Ryder.  

“Bob and I loved walking, and whenever we went abroad, we'd walk for miles. I'll be remembering the happy times we shared together.”  

Standard tickets for this year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds start from £20 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and special medal at the finish line.  

Teams of five or more can get 20% off their registration fee with the code TEAM20. Participants are encouraged to raise a suggested sponsorship of £100 or more per adult. 

To find out more and to sign up, visit: sueryder.org/StarlightLeeds 

To support Tracey’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-fowler-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL