25 Oct 2024 Community

Family and friends walk 50 miles and raise £13,000 in memory of Natalie Audsley

A group of family and friends have walked 50 miles in two days and raised just over £13,000 for The Kirkwood in memory of Natalie Audsley.

The event, has been organised, to honour Natalie, who sadly died on our In Patient Unit in 2019 at the age of 45. Natalie was supported by The Kirkwood in her final moments, and the funds raised will continue to support our vital work.

This year, the 50-mile distance held special meaning, as it would have marked Natalie's 50th Birthday year. The walk started at the Shepherd’s Boy pub in Dewsbury, with two 25 mile routes planned over two days. The first day's walk on Friday passed through Batley, Birstall, Birkenshaw, Cleckheaton, Scholes, Brighouse, Huddersfield Town FC (with a tour of the pitch courtesy of Andy Booth) and back to Dewsbury. Saturday's route covered Thornhill Lees, Ossett, and Earlsheaton, before returning to the Shepherd’s Boy - this walk was done twice.

This event marked the fourth time Jason, and his family had raised money for The Kirkwood in Natalie’s memory. Natalie’s family, including her husband Jason and sons Elliott and Lucas, have been actively involved in these walks, which have attracted participants from all around the community. Jason and his marvelous group of walkers have now raised over £30,000 for The Kirkwood.

Natalie’s close friend Lorraine Smith-Forrest fondly remembers her as the "life and soul of the party," someone who always brought people together with her warmth and energy. Lorraine emphasised how much Natalie’s memory continues to inspire those around her, not just through the walks, but in day to day life as well.

She added: “I was one of Natalie’s good friends and knew her for about seven or eight years. Whilst I hadn’t known her that long our friendship grew and in the end was quite intense.

“Natalie was an amazing person and someone I loved dearly. She was fantastic to be around and even when you walked into somewhere full of strangers, people were drawn to her, she had a brilliant personality. She also has a beautiful family in Jason, Lucas and Elliott.

“Natalie was the glue that kept the whole gang together. If it wasn’t for Natalie, we wouldn't have had some of the amazing times that we've had over the years. She would just organise everything, and brought everybody together.

“She was such a kind and caring person, and you can see that throughout the whole family, in Jason and the two boys.

“The money we have raised for The Kirkwood is just a testament to who Natalie was. People have joined us along the way, taking part in the three events we have done. We have met strangers, who have gone away and read about what we are doing and donated towards our fundraising efforts and even joined us on the walks. We want to do something to keep Natalie’s memory alive.”

Jason, who took part in the walk despite being unwell shortly before the event, expressed his amazement at the funds raised. He praised The Kirkwood for the compassionate care they provided Natalie and reflected on the meaningful support they offer to many families during difficult times.

Jason affirmed his continued commitment to fundraising efforts for The Kirkwood, motivated by the care his family received and the importance of preserving Natalie’s memory.

Jason spoke to us about the walk and the funds raised: “It was a bit daunting because I was ill the week before doing the walk. I managed to get out and do a 3 to 4 mile walk a few days before. That is all the training I’d done for it, but I was just happy I was well enough to do it.

“Some people did the whole 50 miles; some did 25 miles, and some did twelve and a half. However, for me it didn’t matter how many miles people did, it was the fact that everyone got involved and all in the memory of Natalie.

“I’m totally amazed at the amount of funds we have raised for The Kirkwood. After doing the second walk I thought there was no way we’d raise more than the £10,500 we managed to raise. However, to get to £13,000 for this walk is just an incredible effort from everyone.

“The care The Kirkwood offer people is inspiring. We do the walk because we believe in what The Kirkwood does and how it helps people. How it cares for people like Natalie and how it looks out for families like mine.

“I’m proud of everyone who has taken part in the events we have done. Thanks to Debbie Parr for helping to organise it all too. I won’t ever stop supporting The Kirkwood due to how the charity has supported me and my family, it means too much, and we’ll never not try and raise funds for what is a brilliant charity.”

The event highlights the deep sense of community and love that Natalie inspired and serves as a reminder of the vital role The Kirkwood plays in providing compassionate end of life care for anyone living with a life limiting illness.

Debbie Parr who organised the event has expressed her gratitude for everyone who took part and wanted to say a special thank you to the following people / organisations:

Abby & The Howling Whippet for your music at our Presentation Night.

Lower Hopton Club for stepping in and offering your amazing function room.

Bernie Preece from PE4Sportswear.com for organising the rainbow print work on our TShirts and funding the majority of it in Natalie’s memory.

Amy Parry and Lewis for the drone footage.

Andy Booth and Huddersfield Town Football Club for their support and for the tour of the pitch.

Everyone who donated a raffle prize including Ample Store Heckmondwike who donated our Star Prize – a Ninja Air Fryer!

TOG24 Heckmondwike for match funding one of their employees who took part in the event and organised HTFC raffle prizes!

Our catering friends who stepped in after the walk to make sure we all had food!