20 Apr 2022 Personal Stories

Trisha takes on the Midnight Memory Walk for the first time in memory husband Paul.

Trisha and her dog Patch are keen walkers, joined by her friend Sandra, and her daughter they will be taking part in this year’s Midnight Memory Walk. With the decision still looming over whether to complete 6 or 10 miles based on Patch’s ability to keep up, the trio aim to raise as much money as possible for The Kirkwood.

Paul a loving husband and father worked at Hystat Systems Ltd in Slaithwaite as an engineer with his son in law Mark, when he began to feel unwell, later being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in the Autumn of 2021. Despite the pandemic creating difficulties, Paul decided that he wanted to remain in his own home to receive care.

Supported by The Kirkwood, Trisha managed Paul’s symptoms, receiving help with medications for pain management. Due to the pandemic, the couple kept in touch with The Kirkwood team virtually.

This was a very difficult time for Trisha as Paul’s symptoms were becoming more complex to manage, Trisha adds: “The telephone calls were very helpful, if I had left a message they would always ring back quickly.”

Eventually, Paul's symptoms worsened, and he was offered the option to transfer to The Kirkwood’s Dalton site, so the team could help Trisha manage his symptoms and pain. As Paul was too unwell to give his consent by this point it was up to Trisha to make the decision.

Trisha explains: “It was Paul’s wish to be at home. I'm not sure it was the right thing to do but we stayed at home as I thought it was important to honour that wish.”

The Kirkwood supported Trisha’s decision and continued to care for Paul at home. Trisha was reassured by the team that she had done the right thing, as Paul wouldn't have been well enough to travel.

Paul died later that day, in October 2021, just eight weeks after his original diagnosis.

Trisha and her dog Patch are keen walkers, joined by her friend Sandra, and her daughter they will be taking part in this year’s Midnight Memory Walk.

Trisha explains: “I’ve always wanted to do it.”

With no expectations of the night’s events and the decision still looming over whether to complete 6 or 10 miles based on Patch’s ability to keep up, the trio aim to raise as much money as possible for The Kirkwood.

In preparation for the event, Trisha will be embarking on another walk, in honour of her beloved husband. Mark their son in law and manager of Hystat Systems Ltd, based in Slaithwaite, has arranged a walk to raise money for Leukaemia research.

Trisha explains: “He had great banter with the lads, they all really miss him, and regularly check in with Mark to see if I am doing ok. It’s really nice.”

If you would like to sign up for the Midnight Memory Walk this July, you can do so here: bit.ly/MMW_2022 or if you would like to know about The Kirkwood events coming up this Summer/Autumn, follow the link: bit.ly/TKEVENTS