2 Jul 2025 Community

Alan Sharpe tells his story on why he plays The Kirkwood Lottery

Alan Sharpe, a longtime supporter of The Kirkwood’s Big K Lottery, first joined after witnessing the vital care provided to his late partner, Marion, and to his best friend’s wife, Betty. Over the years, his commitment to The Kirkwood has never wavered. 

His first thought was to give something back. A former miner and part time road manager for a band, Alan’s life has been filled with hard work and colourful stories, but it’s his dedication to ensuring people receive end-of-life care with dignity and compassion that truly stands out. Here, in his own words, Alan shares why The Kirkwood is “110%” and why he believes everyone should consider playing its Big K Lottery.

Alan Sharpe from New Mill, near Holmfirth, is a familiar name on the supporters’ list for The Kirkwood’s Big K Lottery. In fact, he’s been playing since the lottery began. Ask him why he first signed up and he’ll give a very personal answer, his late partner Marion needed help during her battle with cancer, and he’s never forgotten the care she received.

He said: “I’ve played the lottery since it first started. I’m thrilled to have won the £100, it comes in handy! Still, I keep on playing because I know the money’s going to help people who need it.”

Alan’s dedication to The Kirkwood grew out of his experience caring for Marion, who lived in nearby Emley. She was seriously ill with cancer, and he still vividly recalls how overwhelming it was:

He commented: “My late partner Marion, who lived in Emley, became very ill with cancer. We managed her care at home, but it was 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it nearly drove me out of my mind. The nurses were absolutely marvellous though, and that’s why I’ve always been keen to support charities like The Kirkwood. I know just how important that help can be.”

His commitment only deepened when his best friend, Alfred, found himself in need of The Kirkwood’s services for his wife, Betty: “My best friend, Alfred, had a wife called Betty, who was cared for at the hospice. It took a huge weight off Alfred’s shoulders, he was able to sleep at night, knowing Betty was in the best possible place. She passed away in the hospice, but she was comfortable and looked after till the very end.”

Having seen the work of the hospice first-hand, Alan now champions its importance: “The Kirkwood is 110%. It’s somewhere people can die with dignity and peace, and where relatives know their loved ones are well looked after. It’s so vital the place stays open, so that families who need help can find it. It relieves so much stress for everyone involved.”

Over the years, Alan has also been involved in fundraising for local healthcare organisations. He fondly recalls Emley Rugby League Club’s contributions: “We used to hold auctions on presentation night at Emley Rugby League Club and raised a lot of money for The Kirkwood over the years. After Marion died, the Emley fundraisers put on a show and collected around £2,000, splitting it between Macmillan and Marie Curie. There’s a great tradition of giving in Emley, and I’m proud to have been part of that.”

Above all, Alan encourages people to join the lottery, not just for the chance to win but to safeguard a vital community resource: “If you want to help, sign up! You never know when you or someone in your family might need that support. It doesn’t matter if I don’t win every week, my £1 entry fee is going to a brilliant cause. But if you do win, it’s a bonus, isn’t it?”

Long before his fundraising and hospice support, Alan worked down the mines, yet found himself immersed in show business on the side. He became a road manager for a band started by a fellow miner named Ken.

He said: “I was a miner, and a lad named Ken, who was a miner too, started a band. I helped out with their lighting, sound and all the gear, becoming something of a road manager for them. We ended up doing shows all over, even some American air bases. We were on ‘Opportunity Knocks’ for a bit, too. It was hard work, but we met some great people. Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, Lonnie Donegan and others, we had some wild times, let me tell you!”

Today, Alan remains as passionate as ever about using his lottery entry to keep The Kirkwood thriving: “If I never won a penny, I’d still keep playing, because I know exactly how many families depend on the hospice. Knowing there’s somewhere my loved ones, or even I, can go for proper care, well, it puts my mind at rest. That’s what The Kirkwood really does: it gives everyone a bit of peace.”

In every sense, Alan Sharpe’s story is one of commitment, community, and a continuing wish to see others enjoy the same quality care he and his loved ones experienced. Alan’s enthusiasm for The Kirkwood’s Big K Lottery, and the people it helps, shines through in everything he does.