By Joshua Robinson – 

Supporters from across Kirklees and beyond gathered at John Smith’s Stadium over the weekend to take part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk, as they trekked through the night in memory of loved ones.

Over 1,300 walkers joined The Kirkwood’s biggest fundraising event of the year, helping to raise over £80,000 for the charity, which supports thousands of patients, families, and carers affected by life-limiting illnesses each year.

Some came to remember loved ones, whilst others turned up to enjoy a night out and raise funds to help the charity that cares for patients.

As well as raising funds, The Kirkwood Memory Walk brought the community together for a night of fun, laughter, and tears.

As walkers began to fill John Smith’s Stadium, they were treated to live entertainment as Emma from Heart Radio got the crowd going. Live music from the brass ensemble the Hornbrokers, who passed through the crowd creating a festival atmosphere, and displays from live acts such as the Mirror Men and Team Bgee.

Photo Credit: Mark Flynn Photography

Many walkers wore the names of loved ones on their t-shirts, whilst others attached photos and turned them into works of art in their memory.

Laura, from Lindley, was taking part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk in memory of her dad, David, who was cared for by The Kirkwood in 2015: “It’s hard to put into words what The Kirkwood means to me. The Kirkwood team gave us some time with my dad where suddenly we weren’t his carers anymore. He became my mum’s husband and our dad again. And he’d not been that for 18 months. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“The Kirkwood covers the whole of Kirklees and whilst I’d heard of the charity. I had no idea the breadth of services that The Kirkwood have. They are actually amazing.”

“Everybody’s here for a reason. Everyone’s here either because they’ve been helped by The Kirkwood or they’ve been touched by the charity in some way.”

Shaun, from Kirkheaton, walked with his family in memory of his dad, Peter: “My dad spent eight days in The Kirkwood back in January. The whole family is here to show our respect for the care that he got at the end of his life.”

“I couldn’t speak more highly of the care that he got at that crucial time.”

“The Kirkwood are an unbelievable charity. That’s why we’re here supporting them tonight. They need as much funding as possible.”

“The walk is a great event. I’m enjoying it for the first time. I really like the fact that it’s a party atmosphere.”

After a warm-up routine from feel-good fitness experts, Crazy Amigos, walkers made their way toward the start line. Walkers taking on both the six and ten-mile routes made a brief pit-stop at The Kirkwood’s hospice in Dalton, where they were invited to pause, take a breath, and write a heartfelt message in memory of loved ones on a dedicated memory wall.

Photo Credit: Mark Flynn Photography

Ten-year-old Toby, from Slaithwaite, was walking for the second time in memory of his Nanna.

“We are here to raise money for my nan, Hilda,” said Toby. “She was cared for by The Kirkwood in 2023 and I am really proud to do the walk and raise funds for the charity.”

Toby’s mum, Jill, added: “My grandma was in The Kirkwood many years ago. The care she received was brilliant, I really love the charity and what it stands for.”

“I’ve done the walk four times but it’s great I can do it with the whole family now. The kids love it – it’s really fun.”

Photo Credit: Mark Flynn Photography

The Kirkwood’s Events Manager, Rachael Savage, was organising her first Memory Walk for the charity and said: “It’s amazing what we have achieved together this year. We’ve almost doubled the number of walkers, which just shows the power of our community when it comes together. It makes me so proud to be part of The Kirkwood Movement.”

“In a time when things feel more uncertain than ever, people can always trust The Kirkwood to be there for anyone with a life-limiting illness. The success of tonight’s event shows people really believe in our charity and the services we provide.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part, fundraised or helped to make this year’s walk such a success. Without the time and effort of so many people, especially our team of amazing volunteers, we simply couldn’t put on major events like this.”

The Kirkwood Memory Walk was supported by event partner, Syngenta, and hosted at John Smith’s Stadium with the support of KSDL.

The Kirkwood would also like to thank West Yorkshire 4×4 Volunteers, The Kirkwood’s volunteers, Shepley Spring, Purple Dog, Basegreen, Mark Flynn Photography, Caleb James Audio Visual, Kirklees Council, Heart Radio, Crazy Amigos, George Shaw & Sons Toilet Hire, Yorkshire Drone Photography, Rizman Khan from Coverage Studio, Donaldson’s Vets, Rowley Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Huddersfield Live, LV=, Huddersfield Taxis, Total Food Service, Dermatonics, and Modu Exhibitions.

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