16 Sep 2022 Community

Richard Poole organises fundraising bike ride in memory of partner Katrina

Cycling enthusiast Richard Poole has set up a memorial mountain bike ride in memory of his partner Katrina who died in 2020 after being cared for at home and he wants you to get involved.

Richard, 42, along with lots of other cyclists, will be biking a 26-mile route on the 2nd October which will start and end at Shepley Cricket Club. The route will take in the stunning natural beauty of the Huddersfield area. 

Richard has had a close connection to The Kirkwood for many years, stretching back to 2004, and he hopes that this fledgling event will raise as much as possible to support our work. 

On his reason behind setting up the event, Richard said: "I’m organising this event in loving memory of my partner Katrina who passed away in July 2020 with a brain tumour. I want to try to raise money to help others in a similar situation. 

"I’m setting up a bike ride as nothing is currently in place like this for The Kirkwood and it’s a great way to raise money and spread the word about The Kirkwood throughout the community."

"Although I will be a little nervous, I can’t wait to see people lining up on the start line and taking on a challenge to raise money for a great cause.

Richard is a keen cyclist and so was Katrina, 

He said: "I started cycling about 5 years ago and slowly introduced Katrina to it. She really enjoyed being on two wheels as it’s not something she had really done before meeting me. We had some great adventures on two wheels. 

"The Kirkwood were very supportive with Katrina’s palliative care, and she would be only too happy that we are trying to raise funds to help the organisation keep supporting others." 

Richard also told us about the first time he needed The Kirkwood's expert help and support. 

He said: "I have participated in many fundraising activities over the years, but The Kirkwood first came into my life in 2004 when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. 

"The Kirkwood supported my family with his palliative care during a difficult time. More recently it has been with my partner Katrina. Katrina was cared for at home by her loved ones, but that could not have been done it without the support of The Kirkwood. They provided vital support to my loved ones at the time when it was most needed. 

"In all honesty, I’d have rather not ever had a personal introduction to the work The Kirkwood does, but without them, the final days of my loved one’s lives would have been that much harder.  

"I feel The Kirkwood is a hidden gem of our community, providing a vital service when it’s needed most and when we are often at our most vulnerable. 

"All the staff and volunteers go about their work with a smile on their face and provide a warm comfort to people who are going through or have been through severe trauma."

Richard hasn’t set himself a fundraising target but is determined to spread the word as much as possible about the services The Kirkwood offer. And he’s managed to get several local organisations involved with his event too. 

He said: "I haven’t set a target for money raised, I hope people will enter as a challenge whilst helping raise money, donate if they can or just spread the word of The Kirkwood. An event like this can help bring people together for the greater good.

"All the event partners, Kirklees College, Shepley Cricket Club, Mindlabs Media, Stafflex, KAL and Shepley Spring have made fantastic donations to the event already and a number of people have donated their valuable time to marshal the trail on the day." 

 

Richard is proud to be a Huddersfield lad and is proud to be bringing people together to raise funds for a great cause. 

"I was born and bred in Huddersfield. I’m a proud Huddersfield resident with a big love for Huddersfield Town AFC and Huddersfield Giants RLFC. I love my family, friends and the great outdoors. I have played football since I was a young boy and still occasionally turn out for Shepley F.C. but spend most of my free time cycling or playing golf. I work with an amazing team at Kirklees College as a Health & Safety Officer.

"Life is a little different these days, the last couple of years have given me first-hand experience of many of the challenges we face. My co-pilot and soulmate no longer kisses me good night or brings sunshine to the cloudiest of days. I’m thankful for the time I had with Katrina, I wouldn’t change it for the world, it is a shame we just didn’t have long enough.

"I hope setting up this event leaves a legacy for Katrina, who was well known in the local area. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to raise money for a great cause. Without ever forgetting Katrina, I’m using this as a platform to build the next chapter in my life and say thank you to The Kirkwood for all they have done for me and my loved ones.

"Keep your eyes peeled for more events next year. More volunteers are always welcome. A big thank you to all those who have supported me so far and for those still to join in." 

If you want to sign up to the event, click HERE 

If you want to donate to Richard's cause, click HERE