24 Feb 2025 Community

Walking for Care: Laura Lumb’s Mission to Support The Kirkwood

A dedicated team of nurses from The Kirkwood are taking on an immense challenge this June, stepping far beyond their daily roles to ensure that vital care services continue for patients and families in Kirklees.

Among them is Laura Lumb, a passionate nurse whose commitment to The Kirkwood extends far beyond her working hours.

On 20th June, Laura and her colleagues will embark on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge, a gruelling 29.5km trek across demanding terrain. This test of endurance is not just about personal achievement, it’s about raising essential funds to support The Kirkwood in the face of its worst financial crisis in history. Determined to help sustain the hospice’s incredible work, Laura is pushing herself to new limits.

“I wanted to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge for The Kirkwood as I really wanted to give myself a challenge, but also raise money for this amazing charity,” Laura says. “I've only ever walked 10 miles max! So, for me, this is a massive challenge, I must be mad."

The team has been rigorously training for the event, with a six-part programme covering a variety of terrains, including Colne Valley, New Mill, and Holme Moss. Their goal is to complete the hike, all while inspiring the community to take on their own challenges in support of The Kirkwood.

For Laura, this challenge is deeply personal. Having experienced The Kirkwood as both a nurse and a family member, she knows first-hand the importance of its services. “I've experienced the In-Patient Unit as a family going through the hardest time, as well as having the honour to work here, also caring for these people,” she shares. “Doing this with my colleagues makes this even more special for me, as we all believe what a special place The Kirkwood is and how many patients and families it helps.”

Her journey with The Kirkwood began when she nursed her father-in-law at home, supported by The Kirkwood’s Community Nurses. Their expertise and kindness inspired her to pursue a career at the In-Patient Unit (IPU). “The Community team are so knowledgeable and taught me so much,” she recalls. “I really couldn't have looked after him until the end without their input.”

Laura’s love for her job is unmistakable. “Working for The Kirkwood is my forever job. I adore it. I love coming to work, the hospice is such a special place. If I was to ever not be here, then my palliative career would be over as I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! I see the patients and families I care for as my family, and my colleagues as my work family. Each one of them is super special.”

Her dedication is not only professional but deeply emotional. “I've recently had experience at the hospital as my Grandma was a patient. It made me appreciate how amazing we all are! How much time we have, how we explain things with kindness and understanding, how we sit and hold a patient’s hand when they cry. Our families have no limits to visiting time. They are welcomed with warmth and smiles. Our patients are given time, dignity, and so much person-centred care and support.”

Despite her unwavering commitment, Laura is open about the fears she faces ahead of the challenge. “I'm terrified to do this challenge, terrified of my feet hurting, blisters, and giving up! But what our patients go through, what their families go through, I’m doing it for them. The pain they feel, my pain won’t compare! And if I can raise more money so our hospice can carry on supporting and providing support and care, then I will!”

With a beaming smile, she expresses her immense pride in being part of The Kirkwood. “It makes me so proud when I tell people I work for The Kirkwood. I literally say it with so much pride! It’s an absolute honour. I’ve met the most incredible people and learnt so many things.”

Laura and her colleagues are calling on the public to support their journey by donating to their JustGiving page HERE. Every contribution ensures that The Kirkwood can continue offering compassionate care to those in need.

“This challenge is so special and important to me. I’m sure I will cry, I will feel pain, I will want to give up! But with the support from my colleagues, I will complete this! We will complete this together! As a team! We are Team IPU, and we are all needed to provide love, care, compassion, dignity, and support to our future families and patients and for those in the community who need The Kirkwood.”

Laura’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and love. As she takes on this immense challenge, she carries with her the spirit of The Kirkwood, ensuring that its vital work continues for years to come.

Want to take on your own challenge and raise funds for The Kirkwood. Click HERE and sign up to one of our challenges now.