20 Jun 2016 Community

Record breaking night to remember for Kirkwood Hospice

A record number of walkers took to the streets of Huddersfield in the early hours of Sunday morning to remember loved ones and raise vital funds for Kirkwood Hospice.

Kirkwood celebrated the tenth anniversary of its annual Midnight Memory Walk on Saturday 18th June. 1,278 people stayed up late to walk in memory of their loved ones, helping to raise an incredible £95,000 for patient care.

Despite the unpredictable June weather, the night stayed fine as the huge crowd laced up and took on the 6 or ten mile walk around the streets of Huddersfield, passing through Waterloo, Lepton and Almondbury along the way.

Many walkers donned bright green T-Shirts displaying the names of loved ones on their back.

Nicola Carter and her son proudly displayed the name of Karen McLean on their T-Shirts, with her name surrounded by love hearts. A post by Nicola on Facebook read: ‘Mine and my son’s tops in memory of my lovely friend Karen who passed away with yourselves in Sept 2015.’

The crowd started to arrive hours before the start creating an electric and emotional charged atmosphere. DJs from TAP Events were on hand to get the crowd into the party spirit, before the walkers were treated to a dazzling neon colour show and performances by stilt walkers.

SJ, of PPD Studios in Marsh, got the crowd limbered up with an energetic cardio dance warm up before ticker tape cannons tore through the night sky, creating a fountain of colour that covered the walkers as they passed over the start line.

65 year old Heather Howes, of Meltham, took on the Midnight Memory Walk challenge with friends. She was thinking about her mother, who died of a brain tumour in the 1970s.

She said: “I am walking with my granddaughter and friends from Slimming World tonight. Kirkwood is a really good cause. I visited a friend’s nephew at Kirkwood and saw first-hand the services and care that they offer.”

John Haigh, of Kirkheaton, decided to take part after visiting Kirkwood Hospice with his wife recently.

70 year old John, who walked with his son, said: “My wife was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago. Though not necessarily terminal, we decided to visit the Hospice to see and be aware of the services they have to offer.”

Wendy Sykes’s mum was cared for by Kirkwood before she died and decided to sign up for the walk with friends and family.

“I am walking for mum and dad tonight.” said Wendy. “My mum Margaret Hargreaves was at the Hospice and received fantastic care up until her death. Mum referred to the nurses as ‘angels’ and the staff also supported me.”

“We did the walk last year as well – it’s a fabulous event!”

Event organiser Emily Kennedy was delighted that so many turned up to support the Hospice and raise funds.

She said: “Tonight has been amazing. To see so many people here walking in memory of a loved one is humbling.

“As well as raising funds, this event brings the community together and allows us all to share special memories.

“Kirkwood provides care for thousands of people across Kirklees every year and demand for our services continues to grow.

"To see so many people out in force tonight underlines just how many people are affected by a life-limiting illness in some way.

“We’re delighted that the Midnight Memory Walk has just celebrated 10 years. We are already looking forward to next year.”

The Midnight Memory Walk would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors Asparagus Green Catering, Hepworth Honda, Myers Building Supplies, Syngenta and the University of Huddersfield.

The Hospice is also indebted to a huge number of companies and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the event was a success. That includes; British Bacon Supplies, West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, Raynet Kirklees, Shepley Spring, SJ at PPD Studios, TAP events, ERS Medical Lloyds volunteers and Kirkwood’s fantastic volunteers.

View the full photo gallery

If you would like to view all the photos from this year's Midnight Memory Walk or purchase prints, please click here.