26 Mar 2025 Community

Beverley Shaw’s Journey with The Kirkwood and why she is raising funds through out Jailbreak event

When Beverley Shaw joined The Kirkwood in September 2016 as Fundraising Manager, she brought with her a passion for people and a drive to make a difference. In April 2023, she transitioned into the role of Business Development Manager, building meaningful connections with businesses and using her corporate background to support the charity’s mission.

But Bev’s relationship with The Kirkwood stretches far beyond her professional life, it’s deeply personal.

“Back in 2000, when Kirkwood Hospice launched their 2000 Club lottery, I encouraged 20 family and friends to join, with a pledge to remain in the scheme for a minimum of 12 months,” she recalls. “Many are still members even today, some 25 years on.”

Her dedication took on new meaning when her own father, Rae, became a patient with The Kirkwood.

She said: “Dad was cared for in the last six days of his life on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and seven weeks later he died very quickly. He went to the GP with a pain in his shoulder and within seven weeks passed away.”

The family faced an incredibly difficult and fast-moving situation, made even more challenging by Rae’s role as the primary carer for Beverley’s mum, who lives with vascular dementia.

Beverley said: “One of my lasting memories was being able to facilitate Mum visiting dad in the In-Patient Unit one last time,” she remembers. “It was something of an achievement, as it was towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Despite the heartbreak, Beverley reflects on those final days with a surprising sense of peace.

She said: “The memories of those seven weeks are a combination of courage on dad’s part, the speed and shock of how rapid the terminal illness came, but also the love and support shown to us by the clinical teams. I look back on this time and recall it as a good death, thanks to The Kirkwood. He had his pain managed, he was cared for as an individual and with dignity. That is what keeps me going, wishing to do my best for others needing similar care from us.”

Now more than ever, Beverley understands why The Kirkwood is such a vital service for families in Kirklees.

“When a life-limiting illness is given, it’s devastating, not just for the patient, but their family, extended family and friends,” she says. “Having a facility and support delivered by The Kirkwood in these situations is vital, and we are so fortunate to have a hospice in our area.”

Having spent most of her life in the local area, Beverley sees how deeply embedded the charity is in the community: “I don’t think there are many people who have not either used our services in some form or know someone who has.”

She’s also keen to raise awareness of how essential The Kirkwood’s services are, especially given the gap left by national charities.

“I was shocked, as were many I speak to, when I found out that a national charity supporting cancer patients does not have a footprint on the ground in Kirklees,” she explains. “It is The Kirkwood staff who are providing palliative care advice and support in and around Kirklees, in people’s homes and care homes.”

With just 25% of funding coming from the government, The Kirkwood depends heavily on the kindness of local people.

“It is vital for us to both campaign for the government to give greater support to hospices, but also, when we can, we give,” Beverley urges. “This may be through donations or in other ways, such as supporting the local The Kirkwood shops or volunteering.”

While she’s supported many others in their fundraising efforts over the years, this year marks Beverley’s first personal challenge for The Kirkwood.

“I have supported many who have gone out of their comfort zones and done charitable events for both The Kirkwood and other charities,” she says. “This will be my first ask for The Kirkwood, and I hope therefore people who can give and support, will do so.”

Beverley brings her trademark sense of humour to the experience too.

“My husband is fantastic but doesn’t cook or clean,” she jokes. “And our 13-year-old son already spends too much time gaming, so for these reasons, I need help to be released ahead of the weekend!”

And although she’s never done anything quite like this before, she’s looking forward to the journey ahead: “It will be a good opportunity to be away from my laptop and phone. It provides a reflection opportunity, as well as meeting fellow ‘bad girls’ in jail and of course, raise vital funds for a much-needed local cause.”

For Beverley Shaw, The Kirkwood isn’t just where she works, it’s part of her life, her family, and her heart. Her story is a powerful reminder of why hospice care matters, and why supporting local services is more important than ever.

If you would like to help Beverley’s fundraising cause please click HERE to make a donation and help Beverley escape from Jail.