14 Mar 2025 Community

Howard Walker Bringing Laughter and Gratitude to The Kirkwood’s Comedy Night

For stand up comedian Howard Walker, the upcoming Stand Up For The Kirkwood Comedy Night is more than just another gig, it’s deeply personal. Taking place at Huddersfield Town Hall, the event will raise much needed funds for The Kirkwood, a hospice that provides care and support for those with life limiting illnesses. Howard, who will be the master of ceremonies, has a heartfelt connection to the charity that stretches back nearly twenty years.

Howard’s involvement in the event began in an unexpected way, through a conversation at a comedy gig.

He said: "I was MCing a comedy night I regularly host and was speaking to an audience member, asking where they were from, and they said Huddersfield, near The Kirkwood. I mentioned that is where my dad had passed away (I’m normally funnier than that!). Later that night, Richard, who I had known for some time through comedy, mentioned he had started working there, and we discussed their incredible work briefly. Some months later, he said he was looking at arranging a comedy night and asked if I would like to be involved, and I was flattered to be asked. However, I have been organising comedy nights for many years, but when he told me the venue, I was a bit surprised! 

“Huddersfield Town Hall is twice the size of any venue I’ve booked before, but I was excited at the prospect, and hoped it would raise much needed funds for The Kirkwood."

Howard’s ties to The Kirkwood date back to 2005, when his father, Melvyn Walker, was cared for at the hospice during his final days. Melvyn, who was 65 years old at the time, had battled cancer for seven years before his health deteriorated to the point where The Kirkwood’s support became essential.

Howard commented: "My dad had first been diagnosed with cancer seven years earlier, at first having an operation to remove his thyroid and later some lymph nodes, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and all was going well. The treatment at times was exhausting, however, and we talked him into selling up, downsizing, and taking early retirement, which he did. He was enjoying life and having weekends away with our mum, however, the cancer kept coming back."

Despite undergoing multiple treatments, Melvyn’s condition worsened. Eventually, doctors advised the family to seek support from The Kirkwood.

Howard added: "The last few months were horrendous. He struggled to eat and was often in pain, and despite our best efforts to care for him, we really needed help."

On New Year’s Eve 2004, Melvyn was admitted to The Kirkwood, where he spent his final days. It was a moment that changed Howard’s understanding of the hospice’s vital work.

"I never really thought about what they did in a hospice until that day, and how incredibly important they are why would I?” He said.

He continued: “All of a sudden, you know, and you’re incredibly grateful that they are there. They made my dad’s last few days as comfortable as they could, until he passed away just three days later. What I remember more than anything was how the nurse in attendance when he passed was with us all; she was incredible. She gave us words of comfort, leaving us for a moment, returning, talking, she made the hardest time bearable."

Now, twenty years later, Howard, who is now 53 years old, is determined to give back to The Kirkwood by using his platform as a comedian to help raise funds.

The Stand Up For The Kirkwood Comedy Night promises to be an unforgettable evening, bringing together a top tier line up of comedians, including Stephen Bailey, Scott Bennett, Alun Cochrane, Duncan Oakley, and Nina Gilligan.

Howard is honoured to be part of the event and hopes it will be the first of many.

He said: "I’ll be forever grateful for that, and I’m quite humbled to be involved in the night. I hope it’s the first of many, and each raises as much money as possible."

The event will be held at Huddersfield Town Hall, with doors opening at 6:15pm and the show starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at £25 for standard entry, £50 for VIP access (which includes a meet and greet with the comedians), and a special £10 rate for students. You can still buy your tickets HERE. 

With Howard at the helm, guiding the night with both humour and heartfelt gratitude, it’s set to be an evening that not only entertains but also honours the incredible work of The Kirkwood.