25 Nov 2022 Community

Richard Poole raises £1,525 for The Kirkwood as first bike ride is a huge success

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. He has raised a fantastic £1,525 for The Kirkwood as he held his first event earlier this year.

Richard, 42, along with lots of other cyclists, took on the 26-mile route on the 2nd October which started and ended at Shepley Cricket Club. The route took 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. 

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

"I set 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."

Richard is a keen cyclist and so was Katrina they enjoyed biking together and had many happy memories doing it.  

Richard commented: "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 and keep supporting others." 

On how the day of the event went Richard said: "The day went very well, I've learnt a lot from this event and will take that into next year when we do it again. To raise the money we have is just brilliant and Kat would be very proud. We had 24 entrants on the day and although we hoped for more, the smaller numbers worked well with it being the first one. We'll look to increase numbers next year and grow it from there. I would like to thank numerous people including my colleagues here at Kirklees College who have been a tremendous help and support. 

"Next year we are looking to branch it out and add things on to make it a more family friendly event rather than just a pure bike ride." 

Once the event finished, Richard had a powerful and emotional moment. He thought of his beloved Kat and knew he was with her. 

He said: "I was very tired and emotional at the end of the day. I felt Kat tap me on the shoulder and say well done which made me feel very emotional. The whole day was in truth as the bike ride went past a lot of special memories for us as a couple."

Richard explained how  The Kirkwood's expert help and support first came into his life.. 

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 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.

"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 Kat, 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."