20 Dec 2023 Community

Alpacas visit The Kirkwood to spread festive cheer

The Kirkwood welcomed a new type of visitor to our site in Dalton today - adorable alpacas! These lovely creatures from Stepping Out Alpaca Trekking based in Almondbury, were here to sprinkle some holiday cheer among our patients, employees, and volunteers.

We continue to care for hundreds of people across the Kirklees community with a life limiting illness. We can only do this with people’s very generous donations towards The Kirkwood, your donations make a huge difference with every penny going back into patient care. If you would like to make a donation click the link HERE and help us to support life. 

Joining us from the alpaca farm, these creatures can reach a height of 3 feet and enjoy a lifespan of up to 20 years. Their charming and mischievous personalities spread joy and happiness throughout the Dalton site.

One patient that enjoyed their visit was Ron Bruce, from Mirfield. The alpacas brought huge smiles to both his and his wife's faces, as they fed and stroked them.

Ron arrived at our Dalton site on Saturday to be cared for on the In-Patient Unit, he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is receiving care from our wonderful nurses. 

On meeting our new furry friends Ron said: “The alpacas were great, they are very interesting and impressive animals. It was great to meet them and feed them. It's not something I expected to be doing today so it was a great surprise. It definitely brought a smile to my face.” 

Ron is receiving care for his bladder cancer and believes the kindness shown has been fantastic. He commented on the care The Kirkwood has provided him: “We are very thankful to The Kirkwood for the care they have shown me and my family, what we received has been nothing short of outstanding, definitely a ten out of ten experience. Everyone from the cleaners to the nurses are just amazing and so kind.” 

The Kirkwood's Senior Community Services Operational Manager Elspeth McGloughlin shared her thoughts on the visit which she had organised: “It was fantastic to have Stepping Out Alpaca Trekking visit us this afternoon, bringing joy to our patients, visitors and staff who all loved meeting them. 

“We are so grateful to Fiona and the team for their time, spreading some festive cheer to us all. 

“Special thanks to Sandman and Zam who were so friendly and well behaved, providing such a fantastic experience in time for Christmas.”