5 May 2025 Community

Family Steps Up for The Kirkwood in Loving Memory of Barry Town

For Martin, Gail and their son Lucas, The Kirkwood’s 10 mile fundraising walk is far more than just a community event, it’s a deeply personal tribute to a much loved father and grandfather, Barry Town.

A proud Shepley resident who had lived in the same home for 65 years, Barry died in February 2024 after a long and difficult battle with multiple health conditions. When it became clear that he wouldn’t recover, the family were given the option of moving him to The Kirkwood.

Martin, Barry’s son, had never visited The Kirkwood before. But the moment they arrived, he knew it was different.

He said: "If there’s a kind way to say goodbye, then The Kirkwood gave that to my dad, and to all of us. It didn’t feel like a hospital. There were no machines beeping, no fluorescent lights, it was peaceful. You could hear birds singing, and look out into the beautiful garden. The room felt like a place to live, not just a place to die."

Barry spent just under a week on The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit, surrounded by his loved ones. He passed away on 28th February, the same day as grandson Lucas’s birthday, making an already emotional time even more poignant for the family.

"The care from The Kirkwood was absolutely outstanding, not just for Barry, but for all of us," Gail, Martin's wife explained. "They made sure we felt supported, included, and understood. Even after Barry died, they rang us to check how we were doing. That level of care is rare and is outstanding."

Though the family had supported The Kirkwood for many years donating to shops, taking part in Gift Aid, and with Gail’s mother volunteering at the Waterloo charity shop. It wasn't until Barry’s final days that they truly understood the depth of care The Kirkwood provides.

This year, all three, Martin, Gail and Lucas will take part in The Kirkwood’s 10-mile Starlight Walk together. But it’s Lucas, now 18, who is leading the charge.

Born with cerebral palsy, Lucas uses a wheelchair and is determined to complete the entire walk independently.

"When Mum mentioned doing the walk for The Kirkwood, I said yes straight away," said Lucas. "I like a challenge, I enjoy being active, but more than anything, I wanted to do it for my granddad."

Despite not being able to visit his grandfather on The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit, Lucas knew the environment had given him peace.

He said: "I know from speaking to my parents how good the care was for my grandad and for that i will always be grateful."

Lucas is no stranger to determination. He’s an accomplished para-athlete, having competed in wheelchair tennis and recently winning the English Open Pickleball Championship. He also placed third in the National Championships and second in the Scottish Open.

"I want to show that having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t push yourself," he said. "Doing this walk isn’t just about raising money, it’s about sending a message. The Kirkwood deserves to be supported. They give people dignity, respect, and peace."

The family continues to give back to The Kirkwood in other ways too. Following Barry’s passing, they donated his mobility scooter to the charity shop in Moldgreen, where it quickly was sold on.

Having read the recent financial challenges The Kirkwood are going through, Martin is keenly wanting to point out how important The Kirkwood is. 

"If The Kirkwood didn’t exist, people like my dad would have to spend their final days in hospital or a care home," said Martin. "It just wouldn’t be the same. The compassion, the peace, the dignity, that’s what makes The Kirkwood so special."

For the Town family, walking together is a way of honouring Barry’s memory and helping ensure other families get the same care and comfort they did.

"The Kirkwood isn’t just a charity to us anymore, it’s part of our family’s story," said Gail. "And this walk is our way of saying thank you."

Be like the Town family and join us on the 5th July at the John Smith's Stadium to walk in unison under the stars for an important ccause.Sign up HERE for The Kirkwood Starlight Walk.