12 Jan 2017 Community

Local Man Reaches New Heights for Kirkwood Hospice

Company owner and Liversedge man, Steve Burnhill, took on the Inca Trail Challenge to raise a staggering £17,500 for Kirkwood Hospice in loving memory of his father.

Back in November 2016, owner of Aberford-based family run company, Northern Game Feeds, Steve Burnhill, 52, set off on the challenging Inca Trail Trek in tribute to his late father, Roger.

Marking the 12 month anniversary of his father’s death, Steve, along with a friend, set off on the Peruvian Trek, which concludes in Machu Picchu.

Reaching high altitudes and walking over miles of tough terrain, the team, joined by Sherpas who helped cook and set up camp for the group, completed the challenge in just five days.

Steve, whose appetite is already wetted for another challenge, took part in the walk as part of an organised trip, with walkers raising money for lots of different charities.

Steve said: “My friend was bought the Challenge as a Christmas present from his wife. We thought it tied in nicely with Dad’s anniversary and that it would be a great opportunity to try and raise some money for the Hospice, so I decided to join him.

“The trek was tough. We went to about 15,300 feet, which is high when you don’t have much time to acclimatise. But it was a really great experience with a great group in such a special, special place.”

In the months leading up to the challenge, Steve kicked off his fundraising efforts with a JustGiving page and received support from generous friends, family, work suppliers and colleagues who were more than happy to help.

After finding out that it costs over £17,000 to run the Hospice each day, Steve decided to boost his target and raise the maximum possible in memory of his much-loved father, who was 77 when he died.

"We felt very lucky that he was at Kirkwood. They really were absolutely brilliant for him." Steve Burnhill

“It was an easy sell really.” Steve said. “Everybody knew Dad and they thought a lot of him so they were all extremely generous with their donations. He really was a great bloke and he’d lived. He’d enjoyed every minute of his life.”

Steve is extremely grateful for the care his father received from Kirkwood in his final hours and wanted to complete the trek to give something back to the Hospice.

Steve said: “Dad had a diagnosis of prostate cancer for 11 years. He received respite care from Kirkwood and spent his final four days in the Hospice.

“The last 18 months were very tough and we were delighted that he was able to spend time at Kirkwood. It was the best place for him and we felt very lucky that he was here. They really were absolutely brilliant for him.”

Steve Burnhill and his Mother at a recent cheque presentation with Kirkwood Hospice Support & Therapy's Sarah Wright and Elaine Gill.

 

Kirkwood Lottery Manager, Dawn Walker attended a recent cheque presentation with Steve and is delighted at the amount raised.

She said: “This Challenge was an admirable task to undertake and Steve can feel very proud knowing what a huge impact his money will have for those with life-limiting illnesses across Kirklees. From all of us here at the Hospice, thank you.”

If you feel inspired to make a difference for Kirkwood Hospice, contact the fundraising team on: 01484 557911.