29 Apr 2025 Community

Rachel and Karen’s Starlight Tribute for Uncle Richard

Sisters Rachel Doran and Karen Fairburn, both aged 45, will once again lace up their trainers to take part in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk on 5th July 2025, walking in memory of their beloved uncle, Richard Garthwaite, who passed away on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit on 14th September 2023.

Originally from Cumberworth, Rachel and Karen have a long-standing connection with The Kirkwood, having fundraised for the charity even before their family needed its support. However, when Richard, affectionately known as 'The Scout' among his friends and family, became a patient with The Kirkwood, the sisters' connection became deeply personal.

Rachel said: "It was such a difficult time for us all, but the care and compassion that he received made a world of difference. From the moment he arrived, we knew he was in the best possible hands. We felt so supported as a family too, not just Richard. That’s why we feel such a strong connection to The Kirkwood, they were there for us when we needed them most. Doing something like the Starlight Walk is our way of giving something back and keeping his memory alive."

Richard had been living with prostate cancer that sadly spread. Plans were in place for him to be cared for at home with a hospital bed, but his health deteriorated rapidly, and he was admitted to The Kirkwood.

Rachel explained: "When Richard first needed care, it wasn’t planned for him to come into The Kirkwood. The plan was for him to stay at home, with a hospital bed arranged but things all happened so fast. Knowing The Kirkwood was there made a heartbreaking situation feel a little bit more manageable."

Having worked at Barnsley Hospice for five years, Rachel knew first-hand the incredible difference a hospice can make.

She said: "Because I worked at Barnsley Hospice for five years, I had a good understanding of what hospice care is all about. I knew it wasn’t just about end of life care, it’s about dignity, support, and making life as comfortable and meaningful as possible, however long someone has."

For Karen, experiencing The Kirkwood's care first-hand deepened her appreciation of the Hospice's importance.

Karen said: "We’d always done fundraising for Kirkwood in the past Race for Life events, charity walks even before our family needed their help personally. But when Richard became a patient there, it changed everything. It made it all so real. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about helping a good cause; it was about giving back to the people who had cared for someone we loved."

Rachel and Karen first took part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk on 22nd June 2024. Alongside Rachel’s son, Dennie, they walked to honour Richard’s memory.

Karen recalled: "Last year, when we did the Starlight Walk, it was all about Richard. There was never any doubt in our minds that we’d do it again this year. It’s become something we look forward to, not just to honour him, but because it’s such a positive, uplifting experience. It brings people together in a really beautiful way."

Despite being new to organised walks, the sisters threw themselves into the experience. Karen said: "We were so eager last year that we turned up ridiculously early! We had no idea what to expect. We’d never done it before, and didn’t know anyone who had. But that made it even more special, discovering it for ourselves and being part of something so meaningful."

They soon discovered the challenge the hilly route presented: "We definitely underestimated how hilly it was going to be though!" Karen recalled. "I’ll never forget us struggling up Lepton hill, laughing and moaning at the same time. We even stopped halfway to get cheesy chips to give us the energy to get down the other side! Those little moments are part of what made it so memorable."

The walk’s community spirit left a lasting impression. Karen said: "The atmosphere was incredible, it felt like we were all part of one big family. Everyone was there for different reasons, but we were united by a shared purpose. There were smiles, hugs, and encouragement everywhere you turned."

The sisters particularly loved the volunteers and the fun touches, like the bright T-shirts and fancy dress costumes, including some walkers dressed as dinosaurs.

Rachel shared: "There were people of all ages taking part, and there were some brilliant fancy dress costumes too, there were two men dressed as dinosaurs which was brilliant. That’s what made it so special, it wasn’t a sad event, it was a celebration."

As part of their continued commitment to supporting The Kirkwood, the sisters have also participated in events like the summer fair in August 2023 and helped raise an incredible £12,000 through a Reindeer Run at their local pub at Christmas 2023. Karen has also volunteered at the Mirfield Donation Centre through the Employer supported volunteering scheme through her employer who is a member of The Kirkwood Business Movement.

Karen said: "Until you see it firsthand, you don’t realise just how much goes into running Kirkwood. It's not just the Hospice itself it’s the shops, the fundraising, the volunteers. It’s a massive operation, all driven by love and dedication."

The sisters feel passionate about the importance of hospice care and the need for continued community support.

Rachel said: "Supporting Kirkwood has now become part of our lives. It’s not just a one-off thing because of Richard. We’ll continue to support them, whether through events like the Starlight Walk or fundraising in other ways."

She added: "It’s heartbreaking that hospices like The Kirkwood have to rely so heavily on fundraising to survive. The government should be doing more to support them. But we’ll keep doing our bit, because we’ve seen with our own eyes just how important The Kirkwood is for families like ours."

For Rachel and Karen, the Starlight Walk is about more than just a fundraiser. It’s a tribute to Richard’s memory, a show of gratitude to The Kirkwood, and a celebration of the spirit that brings a community together under the starlit sky.

Want to get involved with this years The Kirkwood Starlight Walk, you can sign up HERE and walk alongside hundreds of other people under the skies of Huddersfield.