2 Jul 2023 Community

Hundreds of fundraisers walk through the night to help The Kirkwood Support Life

Over 700 walkers descended on the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday evening to take part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk, raising around £55,000 to help the charity care for and support local people affected by life limiting illnesses right across Kirklees.

As many of us were popping on our slippers and settling down in front of the TV last night, 721 dedicated supporters from across Kirklees and beyond were lacing up their walking boots and limbering up to take on a walk like no other in memory of those they love.

The Kirkwood Memory Walk, supported by event partner Syngenta, saw families, friends and strangers coming together to share special memories and make new ones as they made their way around a six or 10-mile route.

A team of walkers from our event partner, Syngenta, enjoying the fun

The annual event helps The Kirkwood to raise vital funds to support its work. Each year, the charity supports over 2,000 patients, family members and carers affected by life limiting illnesses, helping to improve their quality of life in the ways that matter most to them, as well as offering compassionate care at the end of life.

As registration opened and the crowd began to swell, walkers were entertained with live music and the spectacular sight of an LED glowbot show. Walkers also had the chance to have their faces painted by a talented team of volunteers and strike a pose at a photobooth set up just for the night, sponsored by Harvey’s Bar/Kitchen. As the minutes ticked down to 10pm, walkers were put through their paces with an energetic warm up routine provided by Crazy Amigos.

Just as the walk was about to get underway, The Kirkwood’s Director of Clinical Services, Lynne Hall Bentley, took to the stage to thank the crowd.

She said: “The Kirkwood Memory Walk gives people the chance to come together and remember loved ones, and to see so many people here tonight shows how much people care about The Kirkwood here in Kirklees.

“It’s only thanks to amazing supporters like everyone walking tonight that we continue to be here for patients and families in need in their own homes, in their communities and at our hospice.

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our walkers, our sponsors and our amazing volunteers. Without everyone's support, we couldn’t keep caring for the people who need us most.”

As the last glimmers of evening light were disappearing behind the rooftops of a nearby row of terraced houses, the 721 strong crowd gathered patiently at the start line.

There was an audible lull as participants checked their laces one last time and straightened photos of loved ones on the back of their T-shirts.

As the clock struck 10, confetti cannons pierced the late-night sky, shooting plumes of ticker tape skyward and spilling a sea of blue out into the sleepy late-night streets of Huddersfield.

 

 

For some, the walk was a chance to remember a loved one cared for by The Kirkwood recently, whether in the hospice or in their own home. For others, taking part was about saying thank you to a charity which supported them and their loved one years or even decades ago.

Nicola, James, Max and Ben Carter, from Cowlersley, were walking in memory of Nicola's mum, Sandra Washington.

"We're walking for my mum, who we sadly lost last year. It's just coming up to a year now and we wanted to do something in her memory. We've actually taken part in the walk with Mum in the past so it's really nice to do it again tonight.

"We're thinking about Mum tonight, but also about lots of other friends and family who we've lost along the way to cancer."

The Carter Family

 

Jackie Maxwell and Dane Redfearn, from Liversedge, decided to sign up for the first time this year and have raised way more than they originally expected.

Jackie said: "We just decided one day that we wanted to do the walk. It's our first time tonight and we wanted to try and raise £50 each, but we've managed to raise over £200!

"My auntie, Maureen Laverick, passed away two years ago with cancer. She was at the hospice and they did so much for her."

Dane added: “I'm walking for my mum, Ann Crosswell. We're big supporters of The Kirkwood and their charity shops too. The charity has always been part of our life."

Dane Redfearn & Jackie Maxwell

 

Shazia Sharif, who works in adult social services at Kirklees Council, took part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk with family and friends.

“This is my fifth year taking part, after my friend introduced me to it. It's a great experience, we get some exercise and raise some money. It's good to be able to help raise some awareness about the services they provide too.

“We're aware of what The Kirkwood do on a professional level and all the fantastic work they do. Not just in regard to caring for people who are ill, but supporting their families, all the extra classes they offer and the extra care they provide with nurses in the community, and the work they do to support people through bereavement – helping them to cope.

“We're very proud to support The Kirkwood in all the work they do.”

Shazia Sharif, pictured second from the left

 

The Kirkwood holds a special place in Paul Richard Stead’s heart, and this year he was taking part in his eighth walk. Paul, from Kirkheaton, was walking in memory of his parents and dear friend Freda, wife of Peter Dawson.

He said: “I received counselling with The Kirkwood when my parents died, and living in Kirkheaton, The Kirkwood was on my doorstep and is a fantastic charity.

“They have helped so many people, including myself, and as long as I am fit enough, I will carry on supporting them, spreading the word of their amazing work far and wide to anyone that may need them.”

The Kirkwood’s Events Manager, Katie Fielding, was delighted to be part of this year’s walk.

She said: “Tonight has been an amazing event and I’m really proud of everyone who has helped us to bring it all together, including all of our amazing volunteers.

"I'm always blown away by just how many walkers make the effort to stay up late and join us for the Memory Walk.

"Everyone here tonight is passionate about the care we provide for people affected by a whole host of life limiting illnesses. By coming together on nights like this, we are helping to improve people's quality of life in ways that really matter to them.

"It's always an emotional event and I'm humbled to have been able to meet so many amazing people – who have all come along to remember someone special."

The Kirkwood would like to thank main event partners Syngenta, the John Smith’s Stadium for hosting the event and photobooth sponsor Harvey’s Bar/Kitchen.

The Kirkwood would also like to thank Shepley Spring, the West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, First+ Medical, John Mayoh Events, Crazy Amigos, Pet Food Discount Store, Marcus Macaulay Design & Photography, Rowley Lane School, LV, Made by Cooper, SSL Direct Mail & Print, Good Gym, George Shaw Toilet Hire, Info Displays, everyone who has shared their story with us, All their amazing volunteers and everyone who walked on the night.