17 Jan 2025 Community

Jean Fry: A Lifetime of Compassion and Support for The Kirkwood

For decades, The Kirkwood has been a beacon of compassion and care for individuals and families across Kirklees, offering support during life’s most challenging moments. Jean Fry, a long-time supporter, has experienced the hospice’s remarkable ethos firsthand, both as a volunteer in its early days and now as a regular giver. Her story is one of deep personal connection, shaped by the care her friends received and the transformative impact The Kirkwood has had on her life. Jean’s journey with the hospice highlights the power of kindness, the importance of community, and the lasting difference even the smallest contributions can make.

Jean's connection to The Kirkwood spans decades, her story one of deep personal significance and unwavering support. Despite only becoming a regular giver in March 2024, her involvement with the hospice dates back to its very inception in 1987.

“I've only been a regular giver since March 2024,” Jean shares. “It was because a very dear friend of mine spent a fortnight in the hospice. It brought to the forefront of my mind the fact that support is so crucial for the wonderful work that’s done here.”

Jean’s relationship with The Kirkwood began when a close friend, Margaret, one of the hospice’s first patients, was cared for during its early days.

“When it first opened, it was such a small place, but it was already full of warmth and kindness,” Jean recalls. “Margaret, a retired headmistress, stayed here. I’ll never forget how the care she received allowed her to feel so valued in her final weeks.

“The matron, a lovely man, gently encouraged her to stay, saying, ‘We would love it if you would stay with us a little bit longer.’ It was such a kind and respectful way to approach her situation. She stayed, and the care she received was remarkable—not just for her but for me, too, as her friend.”

Jean was also closely involved with the hospice in its early years, volunteering her time to support patients and their families.

“I even did some volunteer work for The Kirkwood, pushing the tea trolley, making sure patients had their food and refreshments. Later, I participated in a bereavement counselling training course here, which was incredibly helpful to me,” she says.

Life eventually pulled Jean away from her voluntary work. “I stopped being involved because I adopted my two daughters, and my hands were full. Life became so busy,” she reflects.

However, a visit to the hospice in 2023, when another close friend received care, reignited her connection to this special place.

“The care and compassion were exactly the same,” she says. “A wheelchair appeared at the end of his bed because someone overheard me mention it. Little gestures like that make such a difference. I never felt in the way; I always felt welcomed.”

Now retired, Jean is determined to contribute in a way that fits her circumstances.

“I’m a pensioner now, so I can’t contribute much, but I thought a steady amount every month was the right thing to do,” she explains. “I feel connected in a small way to the work here, and it makes me so happy to know I’m contributing to something so transformative in people’s lives.”

Jean firmly believes in the ethos of kindness that sets The Kirkwood apart.

“What stands out is the compassion and the way the whole person is cared for not just the patient but everyone involved. That ethos hasn’t changed since the beginning, and it’s something the world could learn from. Imagine if the rest of the world adopted the same approach to human beings as this place it would be a different world entirely.”

Jean’s heartfelt message to others is simple: consider giving, however small the amount.

“One day, you or someone you love may need the kind of compassion this place offers,” she says. “In a world that can feel cold, this place shines with warmth. A small donation, given regularly, can make all the difference in the world for someone facing the hardest moments of their life.”

Since its founding in 1987, The Kirkwood has cared for thousands of people across Kirklees with life-limiting conditions. From its humble beginnings to its current 16-bed In-Patient Unit in Dalton, The Kirkwood has remained steadfast in its commitment to compassionate care.

This commitment extends far beyond its walls, with a dedicated team providing community services and support throughout Kirklees. However, such care requires significant funding £28,000 every day to meet the needs of patients and their families.

By becoming a regular giver, you can help sustain this vital work.

£5 a month can provide a handheld fan to bring immediate comfort to a patient experiencing breathlessness.

£10 a month can supply a memory box for a patient’s family, offering a meaningful keepsake during difficult times.

These contributions, big or small, ensure The Kirkwood can continue to provide the exceptional care it is known for.

Join Jean Fry and countless others in supporting The Kirkwood. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses.

Set up your monthly donation today and be part of a movement dedicated to compassion, care, and community.