2 Jun 2022 Personal Stories

Liz, Helen and friends sign up for the Midnight Memory Walk in memory of their dad, Richard.

Earlier this month we spoke with Liz, one of the dynamic team, about her return to the Midnight Memory Walk with her friends, husband and wife duo Judith and Gordon, who are also taking part in memory of Judith’s mum, who died from Vascular Dementia in 2018. 

Liz, Helen and friends signed up for their first Midnight Memory walk back in 2019 to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of dad, Richard. 

In 2019 we spoke to Helen, capturing her remarkable dedication to her Midnight Memory walk – despite being a massive 10,241 miles away in New South Wales, Australia. She joined her family and friends by lacing up and taking part via her treadmill at home, with her trusty pup for moral support. Starting at 9am (midnight here in the UK), Helen completed her 10 mile walk in 3 hours 17 minutes. 

Helen said: “I was about half an hour ahead of my sister back in Huddersfield whilst I was completing the torturous walk on the treadmill. I was face timing with them and watching videos from Huddersfield of the surroundings. That kept me going” 

Three years on, one global pandemic and multiple lockdowns later, the sisters are lacing up once again this July to take on the 10-mile Midnight Memory Walk. 

Earlier this month we spoke with Liz, one of the dynamic team, about their return to the walk with their friends, husband and wife duo Judith and Gordon, who are also taking part in memory of Judith’s mum, who died from Vascular Dementia in 2018 and her 95 year old dad who is  currently receiving support from The Kirkwood following the diagnosis of lung cancer, whilst Gordon is walking to remember his Mum, Dad and younger brother, who are always in his thoughts.

Following what has been a turbulent couple of years, we asked Liz what has brought them back to join the movement of walkers once again. 

Liz said: “We really enjoy the camaraderie of it. Supporting each other when we’re out there on the road. It’s a really nice atmosphere.” 

“On the way back to the University, last time, when people were struggling, we were all encouraging each other to help get each other to the finish line.” 

The  are lacing up in memory of their dad, Richard, who died of a brain tumour in December of 1994, aged just 55. A loving father, Richard, cricketer in his younger days and loved watching all sports. He had a thirst for adventure and travel too and loved holidays in the sunshine. He was cared for by The Kirkwood in his final week. 

Helen told us back in 2019: “The Kirkwood does amazing work and I remember with kindness, the care and love the staff gave to us.” 

The group haven’t set themselves a target for this year's Midnight Memory Walk but are hoping to raise as much as possible for The Kirkwood as a way of thanks for the kindness and care given. If you would like to support their journey, click the link to follow their fundraising journey and donate if you can: Liz Stead is fundraising for Kirkwood Hospice (justgiving.com) 

If you would like to sign up for the Midnight Memory Walk this July, you can do so here: bit.ly/MMW_2022 or if you would like to know about The Kirkwood events coming up this Summer and Autumn, follow the link: bit.ly/TKEVENTS