We did it, but we are tired! More than 1,300 people participate in the Kirkwood Memory Walk

Hundreds of people walked the night for Kirkwood’s biggest fundraising event of the year, helping to raise more than £80,000 for the hospice.

More than 1,300 supporters from across Kirklees descended on the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday to take part in the Kirkwood Memory Walk, turning the late-night streets into a sea of ​​brilliant green as they walked through the night in memory of their loved ones.

In addition to raising funds, The Kirkwood Memory Walk brought the community together for a night of fun, laughter and tears under the stars.

As walkers began to fill the sunny John Smith’s Stadium with colour, they were treated to live entertainment as Heart Radio’s Emma encouraged the crowd.

Live music from brass band Hornbrokers, who ran through the crowd creating a festival atmosphere, and jaw-dropping performances from live acts such as Mirror Men and Team Bgee got the crowd into the party spirit.

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

Laura, from Lindley, was taking part in the Kirkwood Memory Walk in memory of her father David, who was looked after by The Kirkwood in 2015.

“It’s hard to put into words what The Kirkwood means to me,” she said. “The Kirkwood team gave us some time with my dad where suddenly we weren’t his carers anymore.

“He became my mother’s husband and our father again. And it hasn’t been like that for 18 months. We couldn’t be more grateful.

“Kirkwood covers the whole of Kirklees and although I had heard of the charity I had no idea the extent of the services Kirkwood has. They are actually amazing.

“Everyone is here for a reason. They are all here either because they have been helped by The Kirkwood or because they have been touched by the charity in some way.”

Shaun, from Kirkheaton, walked with his family in memory of his father Peter.

He said: “My dad spent eight days in Kirkwood in January. The whole family is here to show our respect for the care he received at the end of his life. I could not say more about the care he received at that crucial time.

“Kirkwood are an incredible charity. That’s why we’re here to support them tonight. They need as much funding as possible.

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

Image gallery by: MARK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

After an energetic warm-up routine from fitness experts Crazy Amigos, walkers made their way to the start line.

And as the clock struck ten, the band announced the start.

Walkers completing both the six and ten mile routes made a short stop at The Kirkwood Hospice in Dalton where they were invited to pause, take a breath and write a heartfelt message in memory of their loved ones on a dedicated memory wall.

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

“We’re here to raise money for my daughter Hilda,” said Toby.

“She was looked after by The Kirkwood in 2023 and I’m really proud to be walking and raising funds for the charity.”

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

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

Kirkwood events manager Rachael Savage was organizing her first Memory Walk for the charity and was blown away by the huge turnout.

She said: “It’s amazing what we’ve achieved together this year. We have almost doubled the number of walks, which just shows the power of our community when it comes together.

“At a time when things feel more uncertain than ever, people can always trust Kirkwood to be there for anyone with a life-limiting illness.

“The success of the event shows that people really believe in our charity and the services we provide. I would like to thank everyone who participated, raised funds or helped make this year’s walk a success.

“Without the time and effort of so many people, especially our team of amazing volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to put on major events like this.”

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

Kirkwood would also like to thank West Yorkshire 4×4 Volunteers, Kirkwood 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 of Coverage Studio, Donaldson’s Vets, Rowley Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Huddersfield Live, LV=, Huddersfield Taxis, Total Food Service, Dermatonics and Modu Exhibitions.