14 Dec 2017 Community

Irish Charm backs Kirkwood Hospice

Kirkwood Hospice supporters go the extra mile at Dublin Marathon to raise £2,852 towards patient care.

Huddersfield residents, Brigid Walsh, 65 of Dalton, and Mary Kain, 58 of Crosland Moor, clubbed together to go the extra mile at the 26-mile Dublin Marathon and raise £2,852.79 in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.

It all started when amateur runner, Mary, with the help of life-long friend, Brigid, decided to take up the sport in order to get fit.

Hoping to run in memory of Mary’s brother, Martin, and dear friend, Bunny, and raise funds for their chosen charity, Kirkwood Hospice, the duo set about on a rigorous training routine in preparation for October’s big event.

Starting with her first Park Run a couple of years ago and since training regularly at Greenhead park and taking on several 10ks and Half-Marathons, Brigid and Mary adopted a tough training routine for five months until they were ready to face the big challenge.

Brigid said: “It’s all a big commitment, no skipping. Training once a week, every other night, straight after work for four hours. It doesn’t matter how far you go, as long as you can stay out on the road for four hours.

“I, myself, have been running 30 years or so but only took it up in my 40s. I actually made history for Longwood Harriers that was put in the Huddersfield Examiner.

“Running has changed my life and I love it.” Mary Kain

“I’m not at all competitive. I just like to do it, to help people, to help Mary. Even in a race if I see people struggling, I’ll go and pick them up.”

Funds were raised through tombolas and raffles at the Lockwood Conservative Club, as well as sponsorship from supportive friends and family all over the world and a ‘guess the finishing time’ competition.

Raising over £2,800 for the Dalton-based Hospice, completing the run in 4 hours 47 minutes and even inspiring family members and Kirkwood Fundraiser, Lyndsey, to take up the sport, the duo have put their heart and soul into the race.

Mary said: “Everyone was out supporting us and I loved it. I didn’t hit the Marathon wall like some people do; I absolutely loved it.

“I was crying my eyes out at one point because it was just so emotional. There were crowds lining the street and there was this one family that had all these kids, each one with a sweet and a drink in their hand to keep you going.

“Running has changed my life and I love it.”

"The money raised is to help everybody out that’s poorly and give them a better quality of life.” Brigid Walsh

Brigid said: “We ran for Kirkwood in memory of a lot of people that we’ve lost. The money raised is to help everybody out that’s poorly and give them a better quality of life.”

Friends at the Lockwood Conservative Club also hold a Bowling Tournament every year in loving memory of Martin and Bunny.

Brigid and Mary would like to thank Huddersfield Kirklees Active Leisure Centre, The University of Huddersfield and friends and family at Lockwood Conservative Club including Treasurer, Paul Bodsworth, President, Dougie, Shirley Shepard, Sue Nuttal, Jackie and all the bowlers, for their invaluable contributions.