16 Jul 2026 Community

Claire Bolland story: The Kirkwood gave us the gift of being a family again

For Claire Bolland, The Kirkwood has been there for her family through life's most difficult moments. Fifteen years apart, the hospice cared for both her father and her mother, providing not only expert clinical care, but also the compassion and reassurance that allowed Claire and her family to simply be daughters, children and grandchildren once again.

Inspired by the care they experienced, supporting The Kirkwood has become a family passion. From volunteering in one of the charity's shops to fundraising in memory of loved ones, Claire and her family continue to give back, ensuring others can receive the same outstanding care that meant so much to them.

Claire's first experience of The Kirkwood came in 2010, when her dad was admitted to the hospice: "I have had a great deal to do with the hospice," Claire said. "My dad was in the hospice in 2010 and was so well looked after. It was like a big hug. We as a family became daughters and not carers."

Fifteen years later, Claire's family once again turned to The Kirkwood when her mum needed specialist care. Although it was an incredibly difficult time, the hospice once again provided comfort, dignity and support when it mattered most.

"In 2025 we needed the services of the hospice again for Mum," Claire explained. "She was in the hospice for a week and, again, she was so well looked after. The weight of being a carer was lifted and we became daughters again, while our children could simply be grandchildren."
For Claire, one of the greatest gifts The Kirkwood gave her family was the chance to focus on spending precious time together, rather than the endless responsibilities that often come with caring for someone at the end of their life.

"It is a bereavement when your family member dies, but you also feel upset when you leave the hospice because they take away every responsibility you feel you have," she said. "When you care for a family member it is all-encompassing."

The support Claire received did not end after her mum's death. Like many families, she experienced the overwhelming emotions that follow losing someone close, but found comfort through The Kirkwood's bereavement counselling service.

"I have also used the bereavement counselling The Kirkwood provides and this was a godsend in the first few days and months." Claire added.
The care her family received has inspired the next generation to support The Kirkwood too. Claire's two sons have both volunteered for The Kirkwood since they were just 14 years old, giving their time to help ensure local families can continue receiving the same care they experienced.

Claire explained: "Both my sons have volunteered for the hospice since they were 14 and really enjoy being able to help the hospice provide care like we experienced. My oldest autistic son also won an award for community service whilst at Honley because of the money he raised and the volunteering he did for the hospice."

To mark the first anniversary of her mum's death in 2025, Claire and her family organised a coffee morning in her memory, raising around £500 for The Kirkwood. The fundraiser was a heartfelt way of honouring her mum while helping other local families facing similar experiences.

Following the event, Claire attended The Kirkwood's celebration evening for fundraisers, joining many others whose generosity helps make hospice care possible across Kirklees.

Reflecting on everything The Kirkwood has meant to her family over the years, Claire believes the hospice is an essential part of the local community.

She said: "I feel that the hospice is an integral part of the community. We have been fortunate to be able to use it on two occasions, and the care given by the staff never ceases to amaze me. I will never be able to thank the staff and fundraisers enough for the opportunity to experience a 'good death' for a family member and to remember all the good times Mum, Dad, myself and my sister had."

Stories like Claire's demonstrate the lasting impact The Kirkwood has on local families, not only during the final days of a loved one's life, but throughout their bereavement and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers across Kirklees, more families can receive the same compassionate care that helped Claire and her loved ones when they needed it most.

If you would like to support us and have been inspired by Claire's story you can click HERE and make a regular donation to our cause.