29 Sep 2026 Community

Hilltop View customers take on Oakwell Hall challenge for The Kirkwood

A group of customers from Hilltop View put their best foot forward to support The Kirkwood, raising an incredible £360.51 through a sponsored walk at Oakwell Hall.

Four customers, who have learning disabilities and mobility challenges, took on the walk around the grounds on 18th July, supported by three members of staff, a customer’s personal assistant and two family members.

The fundraiser was organised after customers at Hilltop View, which is supported by Home Group, decided they wanted to give something back to their local community. Sophia Hayward, Supported Living Coordinator (CQC) at Home Group, explained that fundraising is something the customers have enjoyed previously and had been keen to do again.

She said: “In our weekly house meetings, customers had often discussed taking part in another fundraiser. They spent time looking at different charities and learning about the work they do. They then found out that a member of staff was already doing a sponsored walk for The Kirkwood in memory of their friend, Ley O’Neil, who had been cared for by The Kirkwood from December 2025 to April 2026. When our manager asked whether our customers would like to raise funds too, they jumped at the opportunity and really looked forward to collecting sponsorship.”

On the day, the group were greeted by sunshine as they made their way around the grounds of Oakwell Hall before enjoying a well earned packed lunch together. The walk took around an hour, including several breaks along the way. For some of the customers, completing the route represented a significant personal challenge, with one using a walking frame and another using a walking stick.

Sophia said plenty of preparation went into making sure everyone could take part safely and enjoy the experience. She said: “We did lots of planning beforehand, making sure everyone had the correct footwear, plenty of water, sun cream and hats.

“The terrain was challenging for some of our customers and they found the walk tiring, but they really enjoyed themselves. We took plenty of photographs along the route too.”

Reflecting on the experience, the customers said: “We did a lot of planning, so it was safe and we were ready, but it was really fun and we’d love to do it again.”

Through sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues, the group raised a fantastic £360.51 for The Kirkwood. There had been no fundraising target, making the final amount an especially welcome surprise for everyone involved.

Sophia said: “We were thrilled to raise so much with such a small group. Our customers were over the moon when they realised the total amount they had raised.”

As part of the experience, the customers were also visited by a member of The Kirkwood team, who spoke to them about the care the hospice provides and explained how donations help local people living with life limiting illnesses.

Sophia added: “That was lovely and really helped our customers understand such a sensitive subject. It made it real for them and helped them understand, in everyday terms, the impact that any donation can have.”

The customers summed up their motivation simply: “We helped because we can, because we could do it and it feels good to give back.”

For the customers at Hilltop View, supporting others has particular significance. Sophia explained: “‘Giving back’ means a lot to our customers because they understand what it is like to rely on the support of other people. The challenge gave them a real sense of achievement, and they also enjoyed collecting donations from their friends and families.”

The customers added: “We’ve had lots of charities help us before, like Mencap. We’re very lucky. We want to help other people. It makes us feel good, happy and proud.”

After learning more about The Kirkwood and the difference hospice care can make for local families, the group are already thinking about how they can continue supporting others in the future.

The customers said: “Everyone should have a nice, warm, safe place to be comfortable and peaceful at the end of their life. It’s sad that not everyone does. But we can keep raising money so The Kirkwood can look after everyone.”

A huge thank you to everyone at Hilltop View for taking on such a fantastic challenge and to all their friends, families and colleagues who supported their fundraising. Every pound raised helps The Kirkwood continue to provide vital care and support for local people and families across Kirklees.

If this story has touched you please get involved in one of our fundraising challenges to help raise more funds for our cause sign up HERE!