27 Aug 2026 Community

The stories behind this year’s The Kirkwood Starlight Walk

More than 800 people came together at the Accu Stadium for The Kirkwood Starlight Walk, turning the streets of Huddersfield neon pink in support of patients and families across Kirklees.

Kindly supported by official event partner Syngenta, walkers took on routes of three, six or 10 miles through the night. Some were returning for another year, while others were taking part for the first time. Each arrived with their own story and reason for walking.

For Victoria Garside, from Moldgreen, the event has become a much loved annual tradition: “This is my tenth Starlight Walk and I honestly wouldn’t miss it,” said Victoria. “Every year it’s such a fantastic evening with an incredible atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community, everyone is smiling and supporting one another, and it’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to raise money for such an important local charity.”

Victoria first took part after a close friend received end of life care from The Kirkwood. More recently, the charity has also offered advice and guidance to her family while her dad lives with cancer and dementia: “The Kirkwood’s support goes far beyond hospice care,” she explained. “They’ve helped us understand the support that’s available, explained the benefits we may be entitled to and given us reassurance during what has been a very difficult time. Knowing there’s always someone there to turn to has made such a difference to our family.”
While Victoria was marking her tenth walk, Oliver Watson was taking part for the first time. It was also his first visit to The Kirkwood since his mum was cared for at the hospice.
“Being back brings a lot of memories flooding back, both good and bad, but it’s nice to return and see everybody here,” said Oliver, who completed the six mile route.

“Being back here means a lot to me and brings up so many emotions. It’s difficult because my mum is no longer here, but The Kirkwood is also where I shared my final memories with her, so it will always be a very special place to me.”

Oliver has been fundraising for The Kirkwood for several years and was moved by the number of people walking with similar experiences: “Just look at the turnout,” he added. “There are so many people here who have been through a similar situation to me. We’re all supporting one another and doing it for the same reason.”
Among those walking their first Starlight Walk was Rachel Robinson, from Birchencliffe, who joined members of her family in memory of her parents. The family originally registered after Rachel’s mum, Wendy Woodcock, was cared for by The Kirkwood. Wendy was admitted on to The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit on the 4th December and died on New Year’s Day. Just a few months later, the family also lost Rachel’s dad.

Walking together as “Wendy’s Warriors”, the family took on the 10 mile route despite several injuries between them: “I honestly think The Kirkwood is like a fourth emergency service,” said Rachel. “People talk about the police, the fire service and the ambulance service, but The Kirkwood deserves to be mentioned alongside them because of the incredible role they play in supporting local families. They provide care, reassurance, dignity and hope during the hardest moments imaginable, and that’s something our community simply couldn’t do without.”

The evening was also a deeply personal one for Natalie Wood, from Clayton West, who walked in memory of her mum, Pauline Lockwood. Pauline was cared for by The Kirkwood before she died on 1st February. Before her mum became ill, Natalie had never experienced hospice care and did not know what to expect. The warmth and compassion her family received changed her understanding completely.

“One of the greatest gifts The Kirkwood gave us was peace of mind,” Natalie said. “Knowing Mum was somewhere she felt safe, comfortable and cared for meant everything. That reassurance allowed us to spend precious time simply being with Mum and making memories instead of worrying about her care. As a family, that’s something we’ll always be grateful for.”

Natalie completed the full 10 mile route, with every step offering an opportunity to celebrate her mum’s life and thank those who cared for her: “I’m taking part in the Starlight Walk because I want to help other families have the same support that we did,” she added. “If raising money through events like this helps another patient receive outstanding care or gives another family the peace of mind that we experienced, then every single mile will be worthwhile.”

For returning walker Saffian Ahmed, from Mirfield, the event has become an important date in his calendar. This year, he took part alongside his girlfriend, Rebecca, in memory of his mum’s partner, Chris Jones. Saffian previously completed the event alone after arriving straight from work, but said the welcoming atmosphere meant he never felt by himself.

“One of the things that makes the Starlight Walk so special is the people you meet,” he said. “Within minutes I was chatting to other walkers and hearing their stories. Everyone has their own reason for taking part, whether they’re remembering someone they’ve lost, supporting a loved one who’s ill or simply raising money for a fantastic cause. By the end of the night, you realise you’re surrounded by people who understand what grief feels like, and that sense of togetherness is incredibly powerful.”

That feeling of togetherness could be seen throughout the evening as walkers shared stories, encouraged one another and carried the memories of loved ones through the streets of Huddersfield.

Behind every neon T-shirt was a personal reason for taking part. Together, those hundreds of individual stories formed one powerful message of gratitude, remembrance and support for The Kirkwood.

Every mile completed and every pound raised will help The Kirkwood continue providing specialist care, advice and support for local people affected by life-limiting illnesses, as well as those closest to them.