13 Aug 2025 Community

Families, Friends and Businesses shine bright for The Kirkwood on our Starlight Walk

The Kirkwood’s annual Starlight Walk once again brought together hundreds of people from across Kirklees, united in remembrance, celebration, and support for the hospice’s vital work.

Earlier this year hundreds of people walked under the dark skies of Huddersfield to not just remember loved ones but to raise vital funds for our cause as we look to care for as many people in Kirklees as possible with a life limiting illness. 

We spoke to several participants that night that told us how they felt about the event and their passion for The Kirkwood.  

One of those participants Kate, 46, from Honley, returned to take part once again:

"It’s something I keep coming back to because The Kirkwood is such an important part of our community. My uncle had cancer and spent the last three to four weeks of his life at the hospice, many years ago now. The Kirkwood was there for us when we needed them most, we’d have been lost without them."

Jason, 53, from Newsome, walked in memory of his mum: "She had cancer and was with The Kirkwood for around three weeks. The care she received there was absolutely amazing. The nurses couldn’t do enough for her, and they really looked after our whole family as well. That’s why I keep coming back, year after year. The Kirkwood is an incredible place, an essential part of our community and we’ve all got to do our bit to keep it going."

For Sarah, 55, from Shelley, the walk carried fresh emotion: "My mum, Stella, spent the last week of her life on The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit, and the care she received was just fantastic. I’ve asked everyone I know to sponsor me so far we’ve raised over £1,200. When we reach the hospice, I know that’ll be an emotional moment for me. The Kirkwood is vital. You simply can’t be without a service like this."

Younger walkers shared their pride too. Chloe, 19, from Deighton, said: "I’m taking part in the walk tonight in honour of my mum, who passed away from cancer last September. The care my mum received was honestly indescribable. This is my first time doing the Starlight Walk, and the atmosphere tonight is incredible so warm and uplifting."

Families came together across generations. Janet, 49, from Holmfirth, walked with her daughter Sienna: “We’re walking to remember everyone touched by the hospice, including people in our own family. What makes the walk so special is the atmosphere. The Kirkwood is absolutely unbelievable in the work they do. I know how desperately they need more funding, and I just urge anyone who can to make a donation."

Laura, 33, from Almondbury, brought her daughter and goddaughters along: "It’s such a special charity, and the care they provide is so important. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect tonight, but the atmosphere has blown me away, it’s fantastic, so positive and full of energy."

Her daughter Gabriella, 9, added simply: "I’m really excited to do the walk tonight. The atmosphere is very cool!"

For Ellen Firth, 40, from Denby Dale, the walk was a tribute to her husband’s stepdad: "Peter passed away last November, and the care The Kirkwood gave him and all of us was just incredible. With all the recent news about funding cuts, it makes events like this feel even more important. If you haven’t experienced hospice care personally, it can be hard to understand, but once you do, you realise it’s priceless."

And the next generation is keeping the tradition alive. Harry Cross, 19, from Almondbury, explained: "Most people will, at some point, know someone who needs this kind of care and to have a place like this, with people who really know how to look after you and your family, makes all the difference. That’s why raising money and showing up to events like this is so important. The atmosphere is brilliant, the lights, the people, the staff it all just makes it a really fun and inspiring night."

Want to take part in one of our other events why not check out our events page HERE.