Family and friends of Joanna Tucker, a veterinary worker from Berkshire who died in March after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her second pregnancy, will take part in an evening memory walk this autumn to raise funds for the hospice that supported her.
Led by Emma Card, the group named Joanna's Angels will join Sue Ryder's Starlight Hike on Saturday, October 24, at Mapledurham Estate in Reading. The event features illuminated grounds, live music, refreshments, and a dedication area where participants can honor loved ones.
A Special Celebration Before Her Passing
Joanna received palliative care from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, including pain management and her final weeks at the facility. Staff organized special experiences for her family, including a tea party with decorations so Joanna could celebrate her daughter Zoe's birthday, and a visiting petting zoo.
Emma Card, lead walker for Joanna's Angels, said: “Joanna was able to come home shortly before Christmas 2025. I helped her husband, Dan, prepare the house with decorations so she could enjoy Christmas at home. On Boxing Day, Joanna and her family came to our house - the memory of that day is something I will always cherish.”
Honoring a Community-Focused Woman
Card described Joanna as a “really community-focused person” who helped at Girl Guides and loved raising money for animal charities. “I think she’d really like that we are taking part in Starlight Hike for Sue Ryder,” Card added.
Card has set a personal fundraising target of £200 but hopes the group can exceed it. “I know Joanna would be proud, and I’m looking forward to honouring my strong, determined and kind-hearted friend,” she said.
Event Details and Registration
The Starlight Hike opens with entertainment before walkers set off along the route. Registration includes an event t-shirt and a finisher medal for all participants. Standard tickets start from £23.80 per adult.
To register for the walk, visit sueryder.org/StarlightThamesValley. To donate to Joanna's Angels, visit joanna-tucker.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Events/. The event takes place at Mapledurham Estate in Reading, Berkshire.
