18 Sep 2026 Community

Martin travels from South Wales to take part in The Kirkwood Pub Hop in memory of mum Marjorie

The Kirkwood Pub Hop brought people together from near and far this September, with the people from Kirklees pulling on their walking shoes to enjoy a fantastic day around Mirfield while raising vital funds for The Kirkwood.

For Martin Wimpenny, taking part meant travelling all the way from South Wales to walk in memory of his much loved mum, Marjorie, who was supported by The Kirkwood before her death last year.

Marjorie died in March 2025 at the age of 74 after living with asbestosis. During the later stages of her illness, she received care and support from The Kirkwood in the place where she most wanted to be her own home.

Martin said: “My mum, Marjorie, passed away in March last year at the age of 74. She had asbestosis and, towards the end of her life, she was supported at home by The Kirkwood. Mum was a real home bird. She didn’t want to go into a hospice or anywhere else for care; she wanted to remain in her own home. She was also quite private and wouldn’t normally let many people into the house, so for her to build up that relationship with somebody coming in to care for her says a lot.

“The lady from The Kirkwood who supported mum was absolutely brilliant with her. I saw her a few times when I came to visit and you could tell mum was comfortable talking to her and having her there. Mum had nothing but good things to say about the care she received from The Kirkwood.”

For Martin and his family, having The Kirkwood there during such a difficult period made a lasting impression. He continued: “Having that support helped to make an incredibly difficult time that little bit more bearable for mum and the rest of the family. Knowing that she could stay where she wanted to be.” 

Sadly, Martin’s dad also died earlier this year. With both of his parents now gone, returning to Mirfield to take part in The Kirkwood Pub Hop was an emotional and meaningful opportunity for Martin to remember his mum while giving something back to the charity that had supported her. Despite now living hundreds of miles away in South Wales, Martin had no hesitation when his brother told him about the event. Martin explained: “When my brother told me about the Pub Hop, it wasn’t even a question. I immediately said, ‘I’ll be there.’ I’ve travelled all the way from South Wales to take part in memory of mum and to support The Kirkwood. After everything they did for her, I just wanted to do something to support the charity in return. It really was the least I could do.”

Held on Saturday 12th September, The Kirkwood Pub Hop saw participants complete a route of just over six miles around Mirfield, visiting six local pubs and venues along the way. For Martin, the day was not only an opportunity to remember his mum but also a chance to spend time with his brother, sister-in-law and friends while meeting many other people supporting The Kirkwood. After travelling such a long way to take part, the event certainly didn't disappoint.

Martin said: “I’ve absolutely loved the Pub Hop. I’m starving hungry after all the walking, but apart from that it’s been brilliant! It’s been a fantastic day and there’s been such a great atmosphere throughout. I came along with my brother, my sister-in-law and a couple of other people I know, but what has really stood out is how friendly everybody has been. There are lots of people here I’ve never met before, but everyone has been talking to each other and enjoying the day together. I’ve also had a couple of pictures taken with some of The Kirkwood staff along the route and they’ve all been really friendly. Everyone involved has made us feel so welcome.”

After experiencing first hand the difference The Kirkwood’s care made to his mum and his family, Martin was full of praise for everyone who makes that support possible. He added: “The Kirkwood staff are a credit to the charity. From the people who supported mum at home to everybody I’ve met here today, you can see how much people care about what they do.”

Martin's journey from South Wales looks unlikely to be a one-off. After completing his first The Kirkwood Pub Hop, he is already thinking about making the trip north again: “I’d absolutely take part again,” Martin said. “I’ve loved it and I’m already looking forward to next year. It’s a brilliant way of remembering mum, having a great day with family and friends, and supporting a charity that did so much for her.”

The Kirkwood Pub Hop event brought together supporters with their own individual reasons for taking part, but for people like Martin, it also provided an opportunity to remember someone special while helping The Kirkwood continue to provide vital care and support for people living with life limiting illnesses, and those closest to them, across Kirklees.