6 Jan 2025 Community

Jim Pollock is proud to be a The Kirkwood regular giver

When faced with the most challenging moments of his life, Jim Pollock found a source of comfort and guidance from The Kirkwood. For over 30 years, The Kirkwood has provided compassionate care to individuals with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees.

Jim’s experience with the hospice, both during his wife Bronwen’s final months and in the aftermath of her passing, is a heartfelt testament to the impact of our vital organisation.

Now, as a regular giver, Jim is ensuring that The Kirkwood’s life changing services continue to support others in their times of greatest need. His story is one of love, loss, and the enduring power of giving back to a community that stood by him when he needed it most.

Jim Pollock’s connection with The Kirkwood goes back many years, but it was the experiences he shared with the hospice during his wife Bronwen’s illness and after her passing that inspired him to become a committed regular giver. For Jim, giving back is not just an act of kindness, it’s a deeply personal gesture of gratitude for the life changing support he received when he needed it most.

“I have had a few connections to The Kirkwood. I had a friend who was cared for by The Kirkwood 

and my mother-in-law, Freda Matthews, died on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit in 2006 after being brought there from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary,” Jim reflected. Those early contacts with The Kirkwood’s care left an impression, but his own journey with the hospice began in earnest in late 2023.

In February of that year, Jim’s wife, Bronwen, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. By November, her condition had worsened, and the prognosis was bleak. “By the time it got to November, the consultant said there was nothing they could do, and it was incurable. He did say they could do certain things, but it would make the last few weeks of her life more uncomfortable than if we just did nothing. We were shocked, but we felt that he was an honest guy and was telling us the true facts,” Jim explained.

At the recommendation of his GP, Jim reached out to The Kirkwood. “The first contact I had with The Kirkwood was at one of the hospice’s drop in sessions in the Holme Valley area near where I live. Then shortly after that, a week or so later, we came to a presentation by a lady called Rachel who talked us through The Kirkwood’s various services.”

A visit from Jo Brook, a palliative care nurse, followed soon after. “Jo came for quite a long visit at our home and told us about the hospice services, the sort of medication Bronwen would need, and the end-of-life provisions that could be put in place for her. That was in December, just before Christmas 2023. She was wonderful, explaining everything clearly and helping us prepare for what was going to happen. Jo took away some of the uncertainty around what was happening, and that was very comforting.”

Sadly, Bronwen died at home in February 2024, just two weeks after being placed on The Kirkwood’s care pathway. Even in her final days, Jim found solace in the support they received. “The care and guidance we received from Jo made all the difference. She helped us prepare for the inevitable, and that was a real comfort.”

After Bronwen’s passing, The Kirkwood’s support didn’t stop. “Following her death, I started seeing Sarah, one of the counsellors. I’d already been to group sessions while my wife was still alive, but after she died, The Kirkwood’s counselling became even more important to me. I had one to one meetings with Sarah before joining a bereavement group in July 2024. I was a bit anxious, I suppose, about getting into something with total strangers for the first time. However, it’s always worked well. Once I got to know the group, I felt relief and I felt very welcomed and at ease from the off. I go to the group sessions twice a month, and it has really helped me in my grief.”

Jim’s love for Bronwen and his appreciation for The Kirkwood’s unwavering support inspired him to become a regular giver. “I thought that Jo Brook and Sarah Laverick had been enormously helpful. I wanted to make a regular donation because I know that The Kirkwood’s services need paying for, and a lot of that money comes from people fundraising for the charity. That’s when I decided to set up the donation, and that’s been in place ever since.”

For Jim, becoming a regular giver was a way to ensure The Kirkwood’s services would be there for others in need. “The Kirkwood makes a huge difference to people’s lives; I know they did mine, and they continue to do so. That’s why I wanted to support them. It’s local, but also I have seen how they can make a difference.”

Jim’s contributions help sustain The Kirkwood’s vital work, from providing specialist palliative care to bereavement counselling. “Every little bit helps,” Jim said. “I know it costs a lot to keep The Kirkwood running, and I feel it’s important to do what I can. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference.”

Jim hopes his story will encourage others to become regular givers too. “The Kirkwood was there for me and my family when we needed them the most. I want to make sure they’re there for others too. That’s why I give every month. It’s not just about helping, it’s about ensuring that the care, compassion, and support The Kirkwood provides can continue for years to come.”

For Jim, supporting The Kirkwood is more than just a financial commitment. It’s a way of honouring Bronwen’s memory, giving back to the community, and helping others find the comfort and care that meant so much to him. 

We need more people like Jim making a regular contribution each month to help us to continue to support the Kirklees community. If you can contribute something each month and help us to support Life click the link HERE.