18 Mar 2022 Community

35 years of caring for our Kirklees community

We began as a hospice but today we are a movement. A growing, thriving, unstoppable community of passionate local people who believe everyone deserves the very best care.

Since the day we began, we’ve strived to make a difference to the people in our communities. Whether we’re raising spirits, raising funds or raising the standard of care for our patients, our work makes a positive impact on every single person we reach. And while our hospice remains the physical base of our activity, the majority of our work happens outside of it, rippling outwards in a wave of support, right across Kirklees.

To celebrate our 35th year we'll be taking a look back through the history of our movement and sharing our ambitions for the future. The Kirkwood was born out of a rich history, not as a place but as a community of people who set out to change the way local people were cared for at the end of their lives. Trawling through the archives, we have been inspired by the achievements of those who came before us. From the honesty and integrity of the first appeal letter, to the hand-made, personally dedicated foundation stone, laid by our founders David Stocks and Dr. Alan Barlow. Our charity was formed by honest, hard-working people who wanted a better future for people in our local community. Raising funds to build The Kirkwood's first in-patient unit at Dalton was a labour of love, and a powerful symbol of what we can achieve when we work together. Our mission remains the same today as it was in 1987. And we know where we've come from is as important as where we're going.

35 years after the official ribbon was cut, that original pioneering spirit is still at the heart of everything we do. Our movement won't stop working, advocating, lobbying, raising money, volunteering, donating and caring until everyone affected by a life limiting illness has the care they deserve.

To share your memories, photos or mementos in our 35th year please email marketing@thekirkwood.org.uk or call Steve Downes on 01484 557 910