7 Oct 2026 Community

The Kirkwood says thank you to supporters with special Thank-a-Thon

Staff from across The Kirkwood came together for a special Thank-a-Thon, taking time out of their day to personally thank some of the incredible people whose generosity helps make our care possible.

The Thank-a-Thon, held in September, gave colleagues from different teams across The Kirkwood the opportunity to pick up the phone and speak directly to supporters, simply to say thank you or write a card of thanks. Throughout the day, staff made calls to people who have generously supported The Kirkwood, recognising the many different ways people across our community help us to continue caring for local people living with life limiting illnesses, and those closest to them.

The calls and cards weren’t about asking for more donations. Instead, they were an opportunity to have a conversation and make sure our supporters know just how much their kindness means. The Kirkwood Lottery Manager, Dawn Walker, helped organise the Thank-a-Thon and said the day was a wonderful reminder of the community of people standing behind The Kirkwood.

Dawn said: “We are incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful people who choose to support The Kirkwood, whether that’s through playing The Kirkwood Lottery, giving a regular donation or taking on a challenge, and the Thank-a-Thon was simply about taking the time to tell them how much that support means to us. It was lovely to see colleagues from across The Kirkwood getting involved, picking up the phone and having conversations with our supporters. Sometimes a simple thank you can mean a great deal, and we wanted people to know that we never take their kindness or generosity for granted.

“What really stood out was that these weren’t fundraising calls. We weren’t asking people for anything. We were calling because we genuinely wanted to say thank you and let our supporters know the difference they help to make. And while the Thank-a-Thon was one special day dedicated to saying thank you, our gratitude certainly doesn’t end there. We are thankful every single day for every donation, every fundraiser, every volunteer, every person who supports our shops and events, and every message or well wish we receive about the care The Kirkwood provides. Every bit of support means so much and helps The Kirkwood continue to be there for people and families across Kirklees when they need us.”

The Thank-a-Thon was also an opportunity for colleagues who may not regularly speak directly with supporters to hear more about their connection with The Kirkwood and why they choose to support our work.

For some, that connection comes from personal experience of The Kirkwood’s care. For others, it is simply a desire to make sure people in their local community can access the support they need when facing a life limiting illness.

Although the phones and pens have been put down on the Thank-a-Thon, there will always be reasons for us to say thank you.

To everyone who stands alongside The Kirkwood, whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, our shops and events, or simply by sharing kind words about our care, thank you. Your support really does mean more than yo