12 Dec 2024 Community

Rob Thewlis: Keeping His Mum’s Memory Alive Through The Kirkwood Weekender

Rob Thewlis, a 34-year-old from Dalton, has been a passionate supporter of The Kirkwood for over a decade. His commitment to the hospice began in 2010 when he participated in the The Kirkwood Memory Walk in memory of his sister Katie. But his connection deepened in 2016 when his mum, Susan, was cared for by The Kirkwood at the end of her life. 

Since then, Rob has dedicated himself to giving back to the organisation that meant so much to his family.

“As a family, we accessed The Kirkwood’s services in April 2016,” Rob explains. “My mum spent a week on the In-Patient Unit before her passing. I’ve always had a soft spot for the hospice, but you don’t really get a true feeling until you’ve been through those doors.

“The care my mum received was amazing. The care we received was amazing. They made my mum look so at peace and comfortable, it just made everything so much easier to cope with.”

Rob’s latest endeavour, The Kirkwood Weekender, exemplifies his dedication. The two-day music festival took place at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on the weekend of 30th and 31st, and it was a resounding success.

He said: “On night one of the Weekender, we were joined by Kieran Doyle, Saturn 5, and 98 Picks as well as The Singing Pineapple Company serving delicious burgers! The Courtyard was packed out, and it was an utter joy to see.”

“Day Two kicked off with an early start as we welcomed 12 local independent stalls selling a wide variety of different wares, as well as another eight local singers. We also had a new catering company, K’s Kitchen, serving delicious Indian Street Food. The sun shone once again over the Lawrence Batley Theatre, and once again families packed the Courtyard for an afternoon of live music and amazing food! The atmosphere was amazing, and it was so wonderful to see.”

The event raised over £800, contributing to the impressive £12,500 Rob has raised for The Kirkwood to date. For Rob, every pound raised carries a deep personal meaning.

“For me, every pound raised means my mum’s memory is kept alive and her legacy continues,” he says. 

“The Kirkwood looked after Mum in her final week with us. They supported her. They made her look at peace, as if she was just sleeping. That I will never forget.”

For next year, Rob is planning a return with a one day event in August. “Expect live music! Expect delicious wood-fired pizzas! Expect fun! We are heading back to one day in early August 2025, and back at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. It’s going to be a blast!”

Through his unwavering dedication to The Kirkwood, Rob honours his mum’s memory while creating a lasting legacy that touches countless lives. For Rob, The Kirkwood is more than a hospice, it’s a family, a community, and a symbol of hope and compassion.