25 Jun 2018 Community

“Lights shine bright” at Midnight Memory Walk

As the dust is only just settling after Kirkwood’s biggest fundraising event of the year, we look back to some highlights and stories from the night

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 1,265 loyal supporters came together to walk through the night in memory of loved ones, and raise a staggering £117,000 towards patient care.

 

Here are their stories…

Abigail Heppinstall said: “Me and my partner are walking for both my Dad and my uncle. My uncle, Graham Netherwood, passed a few years back at Kirkwood and my dad, Andrew Heppinstall, passed in December 2017.

“They both received absolutely amazing care and Kirkwood will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I've done the walk, many years ago, but this time I'm actually walking for my loved ones. It makes it way more emotional but so worth it.”

Amanda Wartley was also thinking about someone special at this year’s event.

Walkers gather to remember loved ones

 

“I'm walking in memory of my husband who passed away in Kirkwood last year from brain cancer.

“He was only 42 and left behind me and our two children, who were 15 and 17 when he died.

“Kirkwood were fantastic when he had a stay there for symptom management and looked after him with care and dignity at the end of his life. The nurses and staff are angels. I will continue to do all I can to raise funds for such a fantastic cause.”

Patricia McLean was walking in honour of her dad, Phil Brown.

“I’ve been asking friends and family to donate in honour of my dad, Phil Brown who passed away in Kirkwood Hospice on the 7th August 2016.

“It was the hardest day of my life but I was so grateful that he was in such a beautiful, calm environment. All the staff treated him with dignity and respect and supported all of my family. They even allowed a late night visit from his beloved dog, Jacksie, nothing was too much trouble. Every step I take tonight, I will have my dad in my heart.”

Bobbie-Leigh Cartwright, a volunteer with the West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, has helped to keep people safe at lots of Midnight Memory Walks in the past. But this year, Bobbie tackled the 10 mile challenge with her partner, Lewis, in memory of a close friend and fellow volunteer.

“This year, me and my partner are lacing up in memory of a dear friend, Lee Hemingway.

“Lee was a wonderful man who offered his spare time to the West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, which both me and Lewis are also part of. Lee sadly passed away last year after a long battle with his health, but he was still trying to volunteer while he was able.

“Lee is sadly missed. This is our way of keeping his memory with us, but also supporting Kirkwood for helping him and his family. West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteer’s lights are shining bright tonight, lighting the way for all of the walkers!”

Lisa Giles was walking in Memory of her best friend, Kate, on what would have been her 40th Birthday, and John Nutley travelled from Manchester for his 6th year to remember his Mum.

The Midnight Memory Walk was also a special date for Sandra Smith, who was remembering her Father-in-Law, Paul Smith.

Sandra said: “I'm walking in memory of my Father-in-Law, Paul Smith, who lost his 4 and a half year battle to lung cancer. He turned 65 in January 2017, and passed away on the 23rd March 2017. 23 is an important number in our family. Paul's father died 23rd November and Paul's son (my husband) was born 23rd April. The Midnight Memory Walk is Saturday 23rd June.”

"Mum had no voice, but [the Hospice] understood what she was trying to say." Suzanne Kaye

Rob Thewlis was thinking of his Mum, Sue, and David Buckley was remembering his father, John Alan Buckley, who was supported by Kirkwood Hospice in 2009, and received “respect in is final days and hours.”

Suzanne Kaye said: “I'm doing this for my mum who sadly died in April last year.

“Fiona, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kirkwood, helped me understand things and the way we were all feeling. The lady who invited us to take mum the day before she passed away was wonderful in the way she spoke to us all. By this time, Mum had no voice, but she understood what she was trying to say.”

Gillian Whitaker wanted to thank all Kirkwood staff for caring for her Mum, Helen Kaye, at the end of her life, and give something back at this year’s walk.

She said: “During Mum’s last days, I used to push her out in the lovely gardens which brightened up her day. The last photo I have of her was taken in the garden last Mother’s Day, two days before she died and she looks really happy on it.

“The staff were absolutely lovely, not only the Doctors and Nurses, but the Health Care Assistants, Domestic Staff and Receptionists. Kirkwood will always hold a special place in my heart and I love taking part in events to raise money for such a wonderful place that allows people at end of life to die with dignity. Thank you.”