10 Oct 2025 Patient and Family Stories

Snowdon by Night: Three Friends’ Tribute to Clare Standring

On the night of 2nd August 2025, three friends, Kim Osborn, Sam Staunton, Michelle Ainley, set out to take on Snowdon by Night, an extraordinary challenge under the stars.

Their motivation was deeply personal, it was to honour the memory of their dear friend, Clare Standring, who had been cared for at The Kirkwood in 2016. Clare’s journey at the hospice had not only supported her but also her family and friends. For the team, climbing Snowdon was a way to give back, remember Clare, and challenge themselves.

On why they wanted to take part in the challenge, Kim commented: “We want to do it in memory of our friend Clare, who was supported and looked after in 2016 here at the hospice. They supported her family and friends too. We just fancied a challenge as well, and then that happened to come up on your newsletter.”

Reaching their incredible fundraising total took dedication and creativity. The friends organised a range of events to raise money for The Kirkwood, bringing the community together along the way.

Michelle added: “We did a night of mediumship at the Wesleyan Centre in Almondbury. We had a raffle on that night and then quite a lot of donations. So we thought, let’s keep selling tickets and do a big raffle with even better prizes. We got some really nice prizes from local businesses, and people donated bottles of alcohol and beauty vouchers.”

Their fundraising efforts weren’t just about money, they were also about camaraderie, laughter, and the joy of shared purpose. “Fundraising brings people together, doesn’t it?”

The climb itself required quite a bit of preparation, the team trained together, walking local hills and testing their stamina, with friendship helping them to stay motivated.

Michelle continued: “Because we’re good friends and we’ve known each other a long time, we were able to support each other when times got tough. We still laughed all the way.”

The climb up Snowdon was even more challenging than anticipated. Weather conditions made the night trek both thrilling and testing.

Looking back on the challenge, Kim told us: “Our guide said he needed to get us to the top and back because the weather was going to turn too windy. I think it would’ve been challenging anyway, but the weather definitely made it tougher. By the time we got to the top and took that photograph, we looked like drowned rats!

“The descent was equally challenging. Walking over rocks and uneven terrain in the dark and rain wasn’t the easiest.

“You couldn’t really see where you were walking, big rocks, different textures, the rain making it slippery. There were a few slips, but the camaraderie of the group kept us going. When daylight came, you could see the outlines of the hills and the sheep. It was beautiful.

“Even in the toughest moments, there were highlights that made the experience unforgettable and well worth being out in the wind and rain.

“We had pulled pork sandwiches, wedges, and a cup of tea before setting off. And then at the end, we had a full English breakfast and a massage, even a glass of bubbly, it was brilliant!”

Sam added: “We were actually the third team back down, so we must have walked fast. Afterwards, you feel so accomplished.”

For Kim, Sam and Michelle, the climb wasn’t just about the physical challenge, it was about honouring the compassionate care Clare received at The Kirkwood and recognising the lasting impact of the hospice on families and friends.

Sam commented on being at The Kirkwood back in 2016: “I remember it being a lovely, supportive place to visit Clare. You felt comfortable and knew she was being so well looked after. It was autumn at the time, with conkers and leaves everywhere, it was beautiful.

“The rooms are lovely, looking out onto the garden. Patients can be wheel straight outside. My grandad died here, and we used to push him around the garden. He’d already be there with a cup of tea sometimes, it’s just lovely here.”

Michelle added: “The Kirkwood means a lot to a lot of people. We did a lot of posts on social media, and they got shared hundreds of times. Everybody knows somebody who has been cared for here, or will be. It’s just nice to see how much it means.”

The Snowdon by Night climb was more than a fundraising effort, it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and community spirit. By remembering Clare and supporting The Kirkwood, Kim, Sam and Michelle highlighted the vital role the hospice plays in caring for people, providing comfort, and uniting people in shared purpose.

“Supporting The Kirkwood is worthwhile, definitely worthwhile. It’s not just about fundraising, it’s about showing love, care, and being there for others. And it brings people together in the most incredible ways.”

If you would like to take on your own fundraising challenge or get involved with one of our events click HERE.