26 Jun 2018 Community

Community pulls together at Midnight Memory Walk

As the dust is only just settling after Kirkwood’s biggest fundraising event of the year, we look back to some highlights and stories from the night

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 1,265 loyal supporters came together to walk through the night in memory of loved ones, and raise a staggering £117,000 towards patient care.

However the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of tens of volunteers on the night.

 

Here are their stories…

A group of 14 cadets aged 12 – 17 from the Huddersfield Squadron Air Cadets volunteered their time on the night to help keep walkers safe as they set off into the night.

Mam Right Lieutenant Piccavey said: “We are helping tonight with the set off, and making sure people are safe.

“We are separating the tortoises and the hares and helping with barriers and rubbish collection at the end. The whole squadron are all so excited because they get to stay up past midnight so it's a big thing for them!

“We all have links to Kirkwood Hospice in some way. We had a member of staff who was in Kirkwood Hospice quite a few years ago and for me personally, I have a family link too.

“Recently we lost a very active and well-liked member of the community who was in Kirkwood Hospice so it felt like the right thing to do. He was a motorbiker called Gordon from Linthwaite. A big man with a big personality.”

Pat Hewitt, a volunteer in the Fundraising Department, was giving up her time to greet and register walkers.

"I've been a member of the Volunteer Team at Kirkwood Hospice for 20 years. I always volunteer at the Midnight Memory Walk because I find the evening to be a happy time where you get to meet lots of people.

“It raises a lot of money for our Hospice. It’s such a friendly atmosphere and I just love the evening completely."

Bobbie-Leigh Cartwright, a volunteer with the West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, has helped to keep people safe at lots of Midnight Memory Walks in the past. But this year, Bobbie tackled the 10 mile challenge with her partner, Lewis, in memory of a close friend and fellow volunteer.

“This year, me and my partner are lacing up in memory of a dear friend, Lee Hemingway.

“Lee was a wonderful man who offered his spare time to the West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, which both me and Lewis are also part of. Lee sadly passed away last year after a long battle with his health, but he was still trying to volunteer while he was able.

“Lee is sadly missed. This is our way of keeping his memory with us, but also supporting Kirkwood for helping him and his family. West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteer’s lights are shining bright tonight, lighting the way for all of the walkers!”

To register your interest for the 2019 Midnight Memory Walk, please click here.