17 Apr 2025 Community

Chloe’s Story: Honouring Grandad Don at The Kirkwood Starlight Walk

When 26-year-old Chloe Firth laces up her trainers for this year’s The Kirkwood Starlight Walk, she won’t just be walking the 6-mile route for fun but also she’ll be walking in memory of her beloved grandad, Don. 

After witnessing first hand the extraordinary care he received from The Kirkwood during the final months of his life, Chloe is determined to give back to the hospice that meant so much to her family. 

Through laughter, tears and Elvis Presley songs, her story is a moving reminder of the vital role The Kirkwood plays in the lives of so many across Kirklees.

Chloe believes The Kirkwood isn’t just a hospice, it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary, and the place where she shared her final memories with someone incredibly special: her beloved grandad, Don.

Chloe said: “My Grandad Joseph Donald Spencer, preferred to be called ‘Don’ was in the hospice from April 2023 until his death on 14th August 2023 at the age of 80. He was a huge Elvis Presley fan and a very important part of my life, he was the funniest man I know, he gave the best hugs and his favourite trick at a party was to see how many clothes pegs he could attach to people without them noticing, he always had them in his pocket!”

Don was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer in November 2022. When he was told the diagnosis was terminal in April 2023, he already knew where he wanted to spend his final days. “He had viewed The Kirkwood in December 2022 and said when things got bad, he wanted to be here. He loved the garden areas and as a bird lover, the birds in all the trees made him feel at home. Walking in the garden, he saw a lot of people’s names he knew in his life and knew this is where he wanted to be.”

That deep and lasting connection to The Kirkwood and the care shown during Don’s final months is why Chloe is once again taking part in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk. This time, Chloe will be walking the 6 mile route. 

Chloe continued: “I cannot put it into words how much I will forever appreciate everything that The Kirkwood did for not only my grandad, but me and my family. They were so caring and attentive with him. They had Elvis playing on loop for him even when he was unconscious it was still on. His room faced the beautiful garden and they would open the doors and wheel him out so he could have some air, listen to the birds and just be in a peaceful place.”

Support from The Kirkwood didn’t stop at medical care. Chloe explained: “When he passed, the nurses were so supportive, consoling us all and saying if we ever needed anything they were only a call or visit away.”

Spiritual support also brought comfort in difficult moments. “My grandad was christened a Catholic when he was younger but didn’t really follow it through life. When he was diagnosed, he reverted back to his faith and the hospice had a dedicated priest who would read prayers for him and our family. He would help us with aftercare and funeral planning, although hard to plan, it was so helpful. He visited him every few hours, the attention to care was just next level.”

So when Chloe heard about The Kirkwood’s financial challenges, her heart broke. She said: “I think everyone who is affected by a variety of illnesses or people needing end of life care and support, The Kirkwood is an amazing lifeline and supports the individuals and family through the process. I actually don’t know what I would have done without them.”

Last year’s walk left a deep impression on her and that is why she has decided to sign up this year too: “The atmosphere was amazing and everyone was so supportive. To see so many people walking for the same cause and how passionate everyone was about it was truly inspiring. Crossing the finish line was so emotional and I know my grandad would have been proud. We raised £130 and completed the walk in 2 hours 15 minutes. Everyone had their own story, but we were all connected by this amazing cause. It was incredible.”

She’ll be walking again this year with her boyfriend, who stood by her side last year and throughout Don’s journey: “He is my rock and was amazing supporting me through my grandad’s journey and my want to raise money for The Kirkwood. I couldn’t ask for anyone better!”

And her message to others thinking about signing up? “I would encourage anyone to be part of the event, It is a great way to exercise, it is lots of fun, raising money for a great cause and the best night ever!”

This July, as Chloe steps out under the starlit sky, she’ll be walking in memory of Grandad Don, with Elvis in her heart, a smile on her face, and a deep sense of gratitude for the place that gave him peace.

Want to support The Kirkwood and sign up for our biggest and best event of the year? Why not click the link HERE and walk under the stars with us.