22 Sep 2025 Community

A Night of Light, Love and Community at The Kirkwood Starlight Walk

The Kirkwood’s annual Starlight Walk once again brought together hundreds of people from across Kirklees, united in remembrance, celebration, and support for the hospice’s vital work.

Earlier this year hundreds of people walked under the dark skies of Huddersfield to not just remember loved ones but to raise vital funds for our cause as we look to care for as many people in Kirklees as possible with a life limiting illness. 

We spoke to several participants that night that told us how they felt about the event and their passion for The Kirkwood.  

One of those was Stuart, 40, from Honley, who took on the 10K route for the first time: "I’ve had family members who’ve needed The Kirkwood, and the truth is, none of us know when we or someone we love might need them. That’s why I think it’s so important to support the hospice. Hospices like The Kirkwood shouldn’t even have to be charities they should be fully funded by the government. But while they’re not, we’ve got to do our part. The atmosphere at the walk is so welcoming. Everyone’s here for the same reason, and you can feel that. It’s really special."

For many, the walk was deeply personal. Andrew, 66, from Linthwaite, walked in memory of his wife Elizabeth, he said: "She had cancer. We only found out on the 7th of December, and she was admitted to The Kirkwood on the 30th. She was only there for 48 hours, but the care and attention she received was absolutely second to none. The atmosphere tonight is really uplifting. It’s well-organised, the registration was smooth, the entertainment’s great and it’s keeping me out of the pub, which is a bonus! The Kirkwood means the world to me now. They were there for my wife, for me, and now for my whole family. Supporting them feels like the least I can do."

Catherine, 40, from Honley, walked with the Dalton Dynamos Under-14s football team in memory of a team mum: "The care Nicola and her family received was so important, it meant everything to them, truly vital. Without that support, I don’t think they’d have made it through those days. This is our first time doing the Starlight Walk, and we’re loving it. The atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone's in such good spirits, and there’s a real sense of togetherness."

The youngest walkers also found meaning in the event. Freddie, 9, from Halifax, proudly shared: "I’m doing the Starlight Walk tonight in memory of my grandma, who died from cancer ten years ago. This is my first time doing the walk, and I’m really excited. I’m doing the 6-mile route! The atmosphere is brilliant and I’m feeling pumped."

Local businesses also lent their support. Claire from FMG, Huddersfield, explained: "We’re incredibly proud to be one of The Kirkwood’s main sponsors and have been for many years now. With around 1,100 people taking part tonight, it just shows how powerful The Kirkwood is in people’s lives not only for those they care for, but for the community around them."

And Ann from Ridley & Hall Solicitors added: "We proudly sponsor the Starlight Walk every year, whenever we can. It’s such an amazing event and even though it’s still early in the evening, you can already feel the energy building. Supporting it really means something to us as a local business."

Georgia, 35, from Huddersfield, summed up why she returns each year: "I’ve done the walk several times now, and I keep coming back because the atmosphere is just amazing. The Kirkwood is a vital charity in our community. They do so much supporting people at the end of their lives and looking after families through really tough times. They offer care, dignity, and kindness when it’s needed most, and that’s something I’ll always want to support."

Want to take part in one of our other events why not check out our events page HERE.