19 Feb 2025 Community

Climb, Care, Conquer: The Kirkwood Nurses Three Peaks Journey

A dedicated group of nurses from The Kirkwood are stepping up in a major way by taking on the demanding 29.5km Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge this June. In the face of unprecedented financial difficulties for The Kirkwood, these nurses are going above and beyond their daily roles to raise vital funds and ensure the continuation of exceptional care for patients and families across Kirklees.

The challenge will take place on 20th June, with the nurses undergoing an extensive six-part training regime to prepare for the event. Their training walks will take them through various terrains, including Colne Valley (6.9 miles), New Mill (8 miles), Briestfield (9.6 miles), Wessenden Head (9.6 miles), Holme Moss (11.4 miles), and Meltham (14.5 miles). These walks have been a testament to their commitment and determination.

Staff Nurse Laura Hirst, who spearheaded the idea along with Alison Heavey, shared her excitement about the initiative: “I had a chat with Alison Heavey in a Teams meeting, she came up with the idea about doing a walking challenge, and it’s just escalated from there, now we have over 12 people involved! Even though we all work on the In-Patient Unit, providing the best possible care to our patients, I feel it’s important to do that little extra for our precious charity that means so much to all of us.”

The Kirkwood has recently announced severe financial struggles, with proposed cuts to services being described as the worst crisis in its history. Despite these challenges, The Kirkwood remains a beacon of care for those in need of end-of-life support. In response, the nursing team felt compelled to take action.

Laura Hirst continued: “As nurses, we already go above and beyond for our patients daily. But this challenge is to show that if we can do that little bit extra to help when it’s really needed, then so can others! When caring for patients at the end of life, you’ve got one chance to get it right, and The Kirkwood really embodies that.”

Head of Clinical Lynne Hall-Bentley expressed her pride in the team: “Our amazing nurses are taking on the challenge of the three peaks. Our nurses go above and beyond every day, providing the best possible care to our patients at the end of life. We have an incredible team that has taken on this challenge to support their hospice, and we are so proud of all the ways the team support our patients, families, and each other. To do this at such a critical time just shows how special the team are.”

The Kirkwood nurses are setting an incredible example, but they also encourage the wider community to take on their own challenges in support of The Kirkwood. Whether it’s a walking challenge, a fundraising event, or a personal goal, every contribution helps ensure that The Kirkwood can continue to provide its much needed care. Take on your own challenge by visiting our website HERE

The nurses are aiming to complete the hike in under 10 hours and are calling on the public to help them reach their fundraising goal. Donations can be made via their JustGiving page: HERE