12 Oct 2018 Care

Hospice Care Week: We support families during illness and in bereavement

To celebrate Hospice Care Week from the 8th - 14th October 2018, we are sharing a different story each day to showcase the amazing reach that Kirkwood has across our community. We are here to support anyone affected by a life limiting illness, every step of the way. This is Jude's story.

Kirkwood is with you on your journey, every step of the way. We support families during illness and in bereavement. Our whole team support families and carers at any time, helping you and your family to find ways to cope with grief and move forward.

Jude Sellmeyer became a loyal supporter and dedicated ambassador for Kirkwood Hospice following the care her son, Jody, received at the end of his life. Back in June, Jude set off across Europe on a fundraising mission to remember Jody, who sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease last year, aged just 38.

Jude and Jody

 

Riding on a Yamaha XJR motorbike, Jude along with her friend, Martin Lyn, travelled through nine countries and across 16 borders, raising an impressive £1,565.

Michaela Statham, Kirkwood Hospice’s Shop Manager in Holmfirth, heard about Jude’s story and knew she wanted to get involved. Michaela and her team set up a beautiful window display to mark Jude and Jody’s story, including tiny details down to a bag of Maltesers, which were
Jody’s favourite chocolate.

Michaela said: “Kirkwood has been amazing for both me and Jude in different ways, but it’s personal for both of us.”

"If we didn’t have the Hospice in Jody’s care journey, I don’t know where we would have been. Kirkwood has been, and still is, my lifeline." Jude Sellmeyer

Jude said: “Jody was incredibly brave, incredibly courageous and always had a smile on his face. 

“There are so many things that go on in the Hospice that people don’t know about.

“Kirkwood is there for any life limiting illness, at any age and that’s the message we need to get out there.

“If we didn’t have the Hospice in Jody’s care journey, I don’t know where we would have been. Kirkwood has been, and still is, my lifeline.”