30 Apr 2025 Community

Jayne Coxhead: A Lifelong Passion for People, Community, and The Kirkwood

For Jayne Coxhead, fundraising isn’t just a hobby, it’s a heartfelt mission born out of love, loss, and a powerful desire to make a difference in her community.

Hailing from Holmfirth, Jayne’s connection to The Kirkwood began over 25 years ago, when she organised her first ever charity ball. “I just wanted to do something good, to raise money for a local cause,” she recalls. 

“We raised a few thousand pounds, and I remember thinking at the time how important it was to support a charity that, sadly, many of us may need one day.” That event would be the beginning of a long and meaningful journey with The Kirkwood.

Jayne’s passion for the charity is deeply personal. Both her parents, Bob and Beth Coxhead died from cancer, her father in 2015 and her mother in 2019. Although neither received care from The Kirkwood directly, their experiences made a lasting impact on Jayne.

She said: “What really struck me was the difference in their end of life experiences. It made me think about the importance of giving someone a good passing, with comfort, dignity, and support. That’s what The Kirkwood offers. That’s why I care so deeply.”

After some time away from fundraising, during which she cared for her parents and weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayne felt compelled to return: “People started asking if I’d bring back the charity balls. I wanted to, but I needed to feel that emotional connection again. That’s when I found the Support Life Champion session and it felt like coming home.

“The session had a profound impact. It was emotional. It really hit me. I realised how much The Kirkwood does, not just for patients, but for families too. It’s not just a charity, it’s a lifeline.”

Since then, Jayne has thrown herself into organising a wide variety of events, always ensuring they are accessible, affordable, and inclusive. From lively quiz nights and uplifting fashion shows to pop-up “Sip & Shop” markets, floral workshops and even cocktail making classes, her creativity knows no bounds.

“Fundraising should be for everyone,” she explains. “It’s about community. It’s about giving people something to enjoy, to belong to, and to feel proud of.”

One of her standout collaborations has been with Maria from The Kirkwood’s Holmfirth shop. “She’s incredible,” Jayne says warmly. “Together, we’ve organised fashion shows using donated clothes, 100% of proceeds going back to the charity. It’s been such a joy working with her.”

Jayne is also passionate about involving children and young people. “We try to protect them, but they’re so perceptive. When my parents were ill, my nieces understood something was wrong. My eldest niece even told her parents she didn’t want to be left out when my mum was dying, she wanted to be part of it. That really moved me. Awareness, even for kids, is so important.”

To date, Jayne has raised over £11,000 for The Kirkwood since her return to fundraising over the last year, this amount exceeded her original target of £10,000. With the addition of wider collaborations, the total amount she's helped generate has surpassed £30,000. But for her, the numbers are only part of the story.

“It’s not always about the big totals. Sometimes it’s just about making someone feel seen or giving them a place to belong. That community spirit that’s priceless.” She said.

Her support has stretched well beyond fundraising. She’s hosted Christmas lunches for The Kirkwood’s incredible volunteers, meals for Business Movement members, and created networking opportunities for local businesses all while raising the profile of the charity she cares so much about.

And yet, she knows the road ahead is not without its challenges. “The economic climate is tough. The Kirkwood relies on fundraising for around 70% of its income. If people stop giving, services could be cut. And we can’t afford that, not for a charity that supports so many at the worst time in their lives.”

Looking ahead, Jayne is more motivated than ever. “The future? Who knows what it holds, but I do know I’m not stopping. I want to broaden my partnerships, not just in Holmfirth, but across the Holme Valley. If any individuals or businesses want to get involved, I’d love to hear from them. I have some large events arranged in the upcoming months, which include a drag afternoon, a black tie charity ball and a murder mystery evening. If you'd like to know more about any of these just get in touch.”

Her message is clear: “The Kirkwood is about so much more than people think. It’s not just about cancer. It’s not just about the end of life. It’s about care, compassion, and community and we need to protect it.”

For anyone who wants to collaborate, fundraise, or simply learn more, Jayne is readily available. “Whether it’s setting up an event, giving a talk, or just raising awareness, I’m happy to help.” 

Contact Jayne HERE If you want to get involved.