23 Apr 2025 Patient and Family Stories

Capturing Hope: How The Kirkwood Helped Ursula Heal

For Ursula Parkinson from Golcar, Huddersfield, The Kirkwood began as a charity she supported, but it became a lifeline when she needed it most. What started with a love for photography turned into a deeply personal journey of care, connection, and community during one of the most challenging times of her life.

Community has always been a big part of Ursula’s life. But it was during lockdown, a time when many felt isolated, that she first connected with The Kirkwood.

She said: “I’ve always felt a strong connection to our community, and organisations like The Kirkwood who play a vital role in keeping that sense of community spirit alive.

“During the COVID lockdown, when everything felt uncertain and isolating, I found myself turning to photography as a creative outlet. I started taking pictures during those quiet moments and quickly developed a real passion for it. That passion led me to The Kirkwood calendar competition, and I was so lucky to be one of the winners in both 2022 and 2023. It was a special way to feel connected again, to nature, to creativity, and to something bigger than myself.”

The calendar not only showcased Ursula’s talent, but also allowed her to support The Kirkwood in a meaningful way: “Initially, I entered the calendar competition because I was getting into photography. But when I saw The Kirkwood was behind it, I realised it was also a meaningful way to give something back to them. And being one of the winners meant that my family and friends could buy the calendar, which helped spread awareness about the work The Kirkwood does.”

Ursula and her husband had long supported The Kirkwood, both through donations and regular participation in their lottery. In April 2024, Ursula fell critically ill with a respiratory virus, which exacerbated her long-standing asthma. She spent four days in intensive care, followed by two weeks in hospital. Recovery was slow and difficult, until a therapist at a pulmonary rehab session introduced her to the complimentary therapy service with The Kirkwood.

She commented: “My husband has been part of The Kirkwood Lottery for several years now, and we both make donations whenever we’re able to. It’s something we feel very strongly about. Supporting The Kirkwood means supporting people in our community who really need that extra care. And last year, I found myself on the receiving end of that care in a way I never expected.”

Ursula said: “Last year was incredibly difficult for me. I was in intensive care with a respiratory virus that seriously affected my breathing, on top of my existing asthma. While I was recovering, one of the occupational therapists told me about The Kirkwood’s complementary therapy services. I’d never heard of the service before. But it was exactly what I needed at the time, massages that helped ease the tension, reduce stress, and improve my wellbeing. I had three sessions, and each one left me feeling calmer, stronger, and more at peace.”

It wasn’t just the treatment itself that left a lasting impression on Ursula, it was the human warmth behind it.

She added: “The therapist, Sarah, was so compassionate and understanding. She made me feel like a person again, not just a patient. After every session, I felt lighter. It gave me a break from thinking about the illness and reminded me of the importance of self-care. It meant the world to be able to access that kind of support.”

Ursula has since used her voice and platform to raise awareness for The Kirkwood: “Winning the calendar competition gave me a chance to share The Kirkwood’s message with people who didn’t know much about them. I posted about it on Facebook and so many of my friends and family across the country learned about the wonderful work they do. It helped open up conversations and raise awareness, which I think is so important.”

She believes awareness is key, especially as The Kirkwood faces mounting financial pressure: “When I read about The Kirkwood’s recent financial struggles, I was genuinely shocked. After 40 years of service to the community, it’s heartbreaking to think that such a vital resource might be forced to cut services. I understand the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, but I also know that The Kirkwood relies heavily on donations to keep doing what they do. We can’t afford to lose places like this.

“The Kirkwood is so much more than a hospice. People think it’s just a place for end-of-life care, but it’s actually full of life and support. From the lovely gifts on display in reception to the afternoon teas and therapy sessions, there’s a real sense of warmth and community here. But unless people have a reason to come, they don’t realise that. That’s why spreading the word is crucial.”

Now recovering and looking to return to part-time work, Ursula is more committed than ever to The Kirkwood’s future.

She said: “The Kirkwood provides care that simply isn’t available elsewhere. It’s a vital service for people in Kirklees, and I can’t stress enough how essential it is that it continues. You never know when you or someone you love might need their help. We must make sure The Kirkwood is still here for the next person who walks through those doors needing support.”

To help us care for more people like Ursula, why not make a monthly donation to The Kirkwood where every penny counts to help us care for those people in our community with a life limiting illness. Make a monthly donation HERE and help to change someone's life.