17 Apr 2026 Community

Walking in Memory: Gill’s Story of Love, Loss and Lasting Support from The Kirkwood

For Gill Lodge and her family, The Kirkwood became a place of comfort, compassion and unforgettable care during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Gill’s beloved dad, Edward, was cared for by The Kirkwood in his final days following a short but devastating battle with pancreatic cancer, a time she describes as both heartbreaking and deeply meaningful.

She said: “My beloved dad Edward was looked after in his final days by The Kirkwood following a short but devastating battle with pancreatic cancer, the day he was moved from hospital to The Kirkwood was such a relief, what an amazing place.”

Despite the sadness of knowing they were nearing the end, Gill found comfort from the very moment she walked through the doors. She commented: “From the moment I set foot through the front door I was greeted by wonderful caring reception staff, then a fantastic team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, literally everyone I came into contact with was amazing, supportive, friendly, caring, inspiring, dedicated.”

Edward spent ten days at The Kirkwood, where Gill and her family were able to spend precious time together, moments she will always treasure: “From that very first afternoon dreading walking through those doors, the days that followed were the worst of times but also the very best of times. Spending precious time with dad; talking, reminiscing, drinking tea, looking out onto the beautiful gardens and holding his hand whilst he slept.”

Gill and her brother stayed by their dad’s side in those final days, supported not just practically, but emotionally by the team around them. She added: “My brother and I spent four nights with dad before he peacefully passed away, I felt that the wonderful staff were caring for us as well as dad, they set up our beds in his room every night and made sure we were OK.”

Reflecting on the environment with The Kirkwood, Gill added: “The Kirkwood is a beautiful place, beautifully decorated, fresh flowers, immaculately clean and tidy, calming spaces and lovely outdoor gardens and patios.”

Wanting to give something back and honour her dad’s memory, Gill later signed up to take part in The Kirkwood’s Starlight Walk, she continued: “When I saw the Starlight Memory Walk advertised, I jumped at the chance to sign up, not only to fundraise and support the incredible work that The Kirkwood does, but to do something positive and proactive in memory of dad, he was a great walker and I knew he’d be with us every step of the way.”

Gill completed the 10-mile walk alongside her son Marcus, her mother-in-law and her friend Donna, whose own dad had also been cared for by The Kirkwood, Gill said: “The walk was fantastic and brilliantly organised, walking with 100’s of others, what a great atmosphere from start to finish, everyone cheering each other on. The camaraderie, sense of achievement and knowledge that we were helping to raise vital funds for something so special kept us motivated, even up the big hills!”

She also praised the event experience from start to finish: “The Accu Stadium was a great venue: easy parking, entertainment at the start line, face painting and bacon sandwiches at the end. An amazing support team en route ensured we were safe and well looked after with an amazing selection of drinks and snacks.”

Gill believes The Kirkwood plays a vital role in the local community, something she is passionate about protecting for the future: “The Kirkwood is so important to the people of Kirklees and I will continue to do all I can to support and protect its future, it is a truly fantastic place which holds a very special place in my heart.”

She finished with a heartfelt message of thanks to the team who made such a difference to her family: “I would just like to end by thanking the amazing nursing team, it takes a very special kind of person to do that role and I was blessed over those 10 days to meet some very special individuals. Thank you, you’ll never be forgotten.”

If you have been inspired by Gill's story please sign up for The Kirkwood Starlight Walk by clicking the link HERE.