29 Jun 2017 Community

“Great Atmosphere for a Great Cause” at Kirkwood Hospice’s 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, 1,221 loyal supporters came together to celebrate the Hospice’s 30th Anniversary, to raise a staggering £113,000 towards patient care in a very special way.

Taking on a five or ten mile sponsored walk, starting and ending at The University of Huddersfield’s Queensgate campus, walkers were promised a “great atmosphere for a great cause”, as put by Sandra Smith in a post on Facebook.

Here are their stories…

In the lead up to the night, supporters shared messages of support to one another, a particular post on Facebook from Jill Dufton reading: “Getting ready for a six mile walk in memory of those who we have loved and lost and good friends who have suffered and survived.”

Michelle Crowe, from Meltham, was walking for the first time with her family. The group personalised their bright orange T-shirts with pictures, framed by strings of lights in a beautiful and memorable tribute to their loved ones.

The family walked for Derek as well as Thomas, Kath and Edna.

Michelle said of her dad Derek: "He was diagnosed in February and became ill in March. He ended up in hospital in April. After being admitted to the Hospice my dad was cared for at Kirkwood for six days. He died just after his his 72nd birthday."

"I then lost my father in law, Thomas Crowe, on Tuesday this week. He sadly died at home but he was being cared for by Kirkwood.

"The level of care was fantastic. It was like a home from home for us. They went above and beyond, not just for my dad but for us as well. We know that counseling is open to us if we need it."

"Tonight I’m lacing up for my mum, Sue. Love her to the end of the world and back, miss her even more.” Rob Thewlis

In a comment on Facebook in the run up to the event, Rob Thewlis said:

“Tonight I’m lacing up for my mum, Sue. Love her to the end of the world and back, miss her even more.”

As the clocks turned from Saturday to Sunday, hundreds of excitable walkers made their way under a giant illuminated archway marking the start of the walk.

As they passed, walkers were showered in a cloud of colourful confetti set off by Joanne Gibson-Garbutt and her daughter, Zoe, who were the very first two to register for this year’s Midnight Memory Walk.

Joanne said: “What an honour, not only being walkers numbers one and two, my daughter and I also had the privilege of setting off a confetti cannon at the start of the walk.

“My mum passed away in the Hospice on the 25th January this year so it was a lovely tribute, if emotional, for my beautiful mum. Thank you so much for making our evening extra special.”

Tracy Ferguson, who was watching the action from the comfort of her own home said in a comment on Facebook: “I sat outside as walkers passed my house. It’s a nice way to remember my mum who passed away in the Hospice a decade ago.”

After successfully reaching the end of their six or ten mile stints, the exhausted fundraisers returned back to the University for a well-earned bacon butty and finisher’s medal, while reflecting on their achievements.

In a comment on Facebook, a chuffed Sam Lee said: “Could not be any prouder of me and my girls. We absolutely powered through ten miles in 2:44. It was an absolutely brilliantly organised event for a fantastic cause and worth every ache and pain I’m feeling right now.”

Also commenting on the success of the night, Lyn Ann on Facebook said:

“A fantastic event and so well organised! Well done to all the walkers and Team Kirkwood!”

Bobbie-Leigh from West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, who provided volunteering, safety and marshalling support throughout the night, said:

“What a great event at Kirkwood Hospice’s Midnight Memory Walk 2017! Our members love the yearly event. So many amazing people, amazing stories and amazing atmosphere all night! Well done to all those who have walked this year. Everyone was amazing and had so much motivation.”

Kirkwood Hospice would like to say a huge congratulations to everybody that took part on the night and to all the event sponsors and volunteers for their support.