13 Mar 2025 Community

Stepping Up for The Kirkwood: Sophie’s Three Peaks Challenge for Hospice Care

A dedicated group of nurses from The Kirkwood are preparing to push themselves to the limit as they take on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge this June. In the face of unprecedented financial difficulties, these nurses are going above and beyond their daily roles to raise vital funds and ensure that patients and families across Kirklees continue to receive the exceptional care they deserve.

Taking place on 20th June, the challenge will see the nurses embark on a gruelling 29.5km trek, covering some of Derbyshire’s most demanding terrain. To ensure they are fully prepared, the team has been undergoing an extensive six-part training programme, gradually increasing the difficulty of their walks. Their training routes have taken them through:

Colne Valley (6.9 miles)

New Mill (8 miles)

Briestfield (9.6 miles)

Wessenden Head (9.6 miles)

Holme Moss (11.4 miles)

Meltham (14.5 miles)

Each training session has been a test of their commitment, stamina, and teamwork, proving their determination to take on the real challenge in June.

For Sophie Dunne, one of the nurses taking part, this challenge is about more than just a personal achievement, it’s about showing support for the hospice and the people it serves.

She said: “I'm doing this for a couple of reasons, the first is obviously because it's a brilliant way to fundraise, showing the public that the staff of The Kirkwood are also wanting to do what we can for our charity.

“Secondly, being outdoors is so good for mental health, getting to the end of the third peak will feel like such an achievement, if I make it that far that is!”

Despite never having taken on such a challenge before, Sophie is confident that the strength and camaraderie of her incredible team will carry her through.

She commented: “I work with the most amazing team, we all have each other’s backs every day in work life, so I know full well if I were to struggle during the walk, we’ll all be egging each other on.”

Sophie’s passion for her work with The Kirkwood is clear. For her, caring for patients in their final days is a privilege, and she cherishes the difference she can make.

“I love working for The Kirkwood because I’m able to be there for patients and families. When someone is in the last few days of their life, it is such an honour to care for them.

“To go home some days knowing that I gave a person their last bath, or their first bath in over a year. Or that I made a difference to their day, that makes me proud.” She said.

She also shared how her time with The Kirkwood has helped her personally, allowing her to work through the emotions surrounding her own mother’s passing: “The longer I’m here, the more I’m getting over personal things in life around my own mum’s death, and I will forever be grateful for my opportunity to work on the In-Patient Unit.”

The Kirkwood provides essential care and support to people facing life limiting illnesses across Kirklees, making even the hardest days a little more bearable for patients and their families. But with the hospice facing financial challenges, public support is more crucial than ever.

She added: “The Kirkwood is so important, we make those hard days a little bit more bearable for patients and families. I honestly can't put into words how proud I am to work for the charity, like I said, I will be forever grateful.

“It's so important that the public get behind our challenge. An hour on the In-Patient Unit for anyone would show what the hospice means to the people of Kirklees.”

Sohie acknowledges the mental and physical difficulty of the challenge ahead, but she knows exactly who she’s doing it for.

She said: “I know it's going to be a massive physical and mental challenge for me and my colleagues, so 'looking forward to it' isn’t the words I'd use. But every day, our patients face tough challenges, so this one's for them!”

The nurses’ Three Peaks Challenge is not just about testing their endurance, it’s about securing the future of The Kirkwood’s life changing care. Every donation counts, helping the hospice continue to provide comfort and support to those who need it most.

The Kirkwood nurses are setting an incredible example, but they also encourage the wider community to take on their own challenges in support of The Kirkwood. Whether it’s a walking challenge, a fundraising event, or a personal goal, every contribution helps ensure that The Kirkwood can continue to provide its much needed care. Take on your own challenge by visiting our website HERE

The nurses are aiming to complete the hike in under 10 hours and are calling on the public to help them reach their fundraising goal. Donations can be made via their JustGiving page: HERE