16 Apr 2025 Patient and Family Stories

Samantha’s Story: A starlit walk in memory of her Dad.

For Samantha, The Kirkwood Starlight Walk is more than just a fundraising event; it's a heartfelt thank you to The Kirkwood Nurses who stepped in at a crucial moment in their lives providing vital support, guidance, and comfort to her family during a challenging time.

Christopher, a loving father and grandfather, passed away on October 11th, 2024, at Thornhill Care Home. His final weeks were challenging, navigating Christopher’s Parkinson's, dementia, and cancer.

"We honestly wouldn't have gotten through that last week without The Kirkwood," Samantha shares. "Dad deteriorated very, very quickly, and moving him to The Kirkwood wasn't possible."
 

Initially, Christopher had been referred for specialist palliative care at The Kirkwood's hospice. However, when the community nursing team spoke with him, he was still responsive and declined medical intervention, a difficult decision for the family.

"Sometimes, you hear 'six weeks left,' but you never know," Samantha explains. "We weren't sure what to do, and unfortunately, Dad's health declined rapidly. His Parkinson's medication masked many symptoms, making it hard to see how unwell he was."

Christopher's complex needs made it difficult for the care home to provide adequate support. The Kirkwood nurses stepped in, offering their expertise. This intervention allowed Samantha and her family to focus on being a family, instead caregivers, enabling them to cherish precious moments. "They took over Dad's care at the home," Samantha says. "It was a very emotional and difficult time for us and The Kirkwood’s intervention helped all of us including Dad."

The Kirkwood nurses provided crucial support and guidance, a lifeline for a family navigating palliative care for the first time. "It just helped us so much," Samantha recalls. "We'd never had anyone in the family on palliative care, and we knew nothing. The nurses were amazing. They talked us through everything, explaining what was happening. With their help with developed a better understanding of what was happening with helped us to manage the situation better."

Despite his initial wishes, Christopher eventually required a syringe driver for pain management. The Kirkwood nurses provided the necessary education and reassurance. "Even just that little bit of putting your mind at ease, knowing he was comfortable, helped so much."

Samantha reflects. "We didn't know any of it. It changed everything. It was a very traumatic time, but The Kirkwood Nurses were amazing."
 

In support of The Kirkwood and it’s Community Nursing team Samantha, her sister Emma, and their sons will walk in memory of Christopher at this year's The Kirkwood Starlight Walk. Christopher, a long standing supporter of The Kirkwood, has his legacy carried over by his family, who recognize the invaluable support The Kirkwood provided.

"Dad always donated to The Kirkwood every month," Samantha explains. "So, we thought this would be a meaningful way to remember him. Me, my sister Emma, and our children are all participating.

"We want to support events and challenges because The Kirkwood is so important," Samantha emphasizes. "To hear the announcement earlier this year and worry that The Kirkwood needs more support to be there to help other families is heartbreaking."

As Samantha and her family prepare to walk under the starlight, they carry with them the memory of a loving father and grandfather, and the gratitude for The Kirkwood's compassionate care. Their journey is a testament to the power of community support and the vital role The Kirkwood plays in the lives of families across Kirklees.
 

There's still time, if you would like to sign up The Kirkwood Starlight Walk, you can sign up here: thekirkwood.org.uk/starlightwalk