18 Jun 2021 Community

Sun-rising to the challenge in memory of Natalie Audsley this July

On Saturday 24th July, Jason Audsley, along with friends and family, are going the extra mile to raise vital funds in memory of his beloved wife, Natalie. Taking part in our Sunrise Walk challenge by walking 25 miles to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, the group are hoping to raise thousands for The Kirkwood.

Natalie Audsley, aged just 45, was cared for at the end of her life by our In-Patient Unit team back in May 2019. Natalie’s husband, Jason, and their two sons, Elliott and Lucas, were by her side every step of the way. Jason says: “We weren’t expecting Natalie to pass away so suddenly as she was diagnosed only six months before and we hoped we all had more time. We were all in shock that it happened so quickly, it was totally unexpected at that time and she left a massive hole in all of our lives.

“Natalie was on the In-Patient Unit in her last hours from the Friday and she passed away peacefully on the Saturday morning. On reflection, we took comfort in knowing that she was under the care of The Kirkwood at this time. The staff were so caring and understanding and talked us through the final stages of her care. We can’t thank them enough for what they did. The comfort in knowing that she was cared for helped to reassure me, our boys and Natalie's family at this inevitable time. Everybody was so kind and understanding at a time when we were left feeling devastated.”

Jason, their two sons, Elliot and Lucas, and Natalie

 

After witnessing first-hand the care our In-Patient Unit team provide, Jason has been determined to give back to the local charity that supported his family during the difficult time. Jason has already raised over £8,000 for The Kirkwood through funeral donations, a birthday fundraiser and by taking part in the Virtual Memory Walk back in October 2020 with friends and family.

This year, to celebrate Jason and Natalie’s 25th wedding anniversary, Jason and friends are stepping their fundraising up a notch by taking on a 25 mile walk with the hopes of taking their total raised to over £10,000 in just two years.

Lorraine Forest, who will be taking on the Sunrise Walk with Jason, explains why raising funds in Natalie’s memory is so important to the group. She says: “The Kirkwood were amazing during Natalie's short stay. The support they gave her family was heart-warming. Natalie dealt with her illness in the same way she dealt with everything in life, with immeasurable strength, compassion for others, understanding and laughter. 

“She was the glue that held friends and family together, a unique beautiful lady. And Natalie is still the glue that holds us all together during the walks we now do to support The Kirkwood so they can carry on providing the invaluable service they give to anyone who needs it.”

The group on their Virtual Memory Walk in 2020

 

Lisa Hemingway, who is also joining the group on the walk, adds: “Natalie was my best friend from school, and I am godmother to their sons, Elliott and Lucas. It’s lovely to see that they are doing so well, and I am sure that the connection with The Kirkwood has really helped them.

“Natalie, Jason and the boys had a fantastic life and she left quite a void to fill but this has been partly filled by going on walks, getting together with friends, and raising both money and awareness for The Kirkwood.

“Jason and the boys have always had a great support network, and this has only been enhanced by their involvement with The Kirkwood. Since Natalie’s passing The Kirkwood has really helped Jason and the boys make something good out of something devastating. Raising money and awareness for other families in similar situations really helps them carry on.”

Laura Readhead, good friend of Jason and Natalie’s, also reflects on their friendship together ahead of the walk. She says: “Natalie - a funny, beautiful, loving, trendy mum of two beautiful boys and wife to Jason. They were such a lovely couple. Always down for a laugh, always leading us astray having those few extra drinks when we were calling it a night then persuading us to go back to theirs for overcooked roast beef and crispy roast potatoes much to the boy’s despair!

“The love we had for her is difficult to put into words. She was special. The excitement when I got pregnant for the second time, with Oliver, who unfortunately she never got to meet. It breaks my heart, but I know she would be proud, and his Uncle Jason loves him enough for both of them. We make sure he knows who she is.”

On the day, the group will be completing their 12.5-mile route twice throughout the day, taking their total walked to 25 miles. They will be setting off at 6am from The Shepherds Boy Pub, walking to Ossett, Earlsheaton and back to their starting point, before setting off along the same route in the afternoon with stop offs at pubs along the way to help boost their fundraising.

 

Throughout the day, friends of Jason and Natalie will be joining the group for either the morning or afternoon walks, with walkers also taking on both with Jason.

Jason continues: “I’ll never forget Natalie - I'd loved her for 23 years of our marriage and will love her always. I think about her constantly, we made so many good memories. I will always have our boys, photos and songs as a reminder each day. She was one of a kind and was so special to so many people - I feel so grateful for having had her in my life. I know that she would be so proud of them and what they continue to achieve. I know that I’m doing this for her, we all are. Whatever we do to raise funds for The Kirkwood I know she’ll be happy with it. She will be smiling down at me and our boys and friends thinking well done, we have all said since she passed that she will be on a beach reading a book with a gin.

“We will always be so grateful to our friends and family who have supported us through this very difficult time - their comfort and support has been overwhelming. I would like to thank particularly a small group of friends who we have named ‘The Companionsheeps’. Together we have walked miles during lockdown come rain, sun and snow and they have helped to organise both walks that we have put together to raise funds for The Kirkwood. I don’t know what I would have done without their continued friendship and inspiration during the lockdown months.”

If you would like to find out more about their fundraising and support them in reaching their target, you can visit their JustGiving page here.