Kirkwood Hospice Newsletter Spring/Summer 2015

(Registered Charity No. 512987)

newsSpring & Summer 2015

Lace up for

the Midnight

Memory Walk

@KirkwoodHospice facebook.com/KirkwoodHosp

ISSUE

79

Kirkwood – The Hospice for Kirklees

April - September

Sat 11th & Sun 12th April Art Exhibition, Northorpe Hall

Saturday 18th April Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Sunday 19th April Rotary Navigation Walk

Saturday 9th May Skydive, Hibaldstow

Saturday 16th May Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Sunday 17th May Examiner Charity Challenge

Saturday 13th June Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Saturday 20th June Charity Golf Day, Bradley Park Golf Club

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KIRKHEATONThursday 16th April Beetle Drive, Yorkshireman Pub, 2pm

Saturday 9th May Grange Moor Band, United Church, New Road, 7pm

Thursday 28th May Beetle Drive, Yorkshireman Pub, 2pm

Sun 21st June Stalls at Kirkheaton Gala

Saturday 11th July Strawberry Fair, United Church, New Road, 2pm

Thursday 27th August Beetle Drive, Yorkshireman Pub, 2pm

Saturday 12th September Swing Band, United Church, New Road, 7pm

BATLEY & BIRSTALLSaturday 28th March Spring Coffee Morning, Batley Town Hall

Saturday 20th June Midnight Memory Walk

Saturday 27th June Sunflower Memories Appeal

Sunday 12th July Hospice Cycle Sportive

Saturday 18th July Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Saturday 15th August Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Sunday 6th September Trail Run, Leeds Road Playing Fields

Saturday 19th September Coffee Morning, Kirkwood Hospice, 10am – 12noon

Sunday 20th September Skydive, Hibaldstow

Sunday 4th October Colour Run, Oakwell Hall Country Park

Sunday 26th April Gomersal Park Hotel Lunch Event, Gomersal Park Hotel

CLECKHEATONSaturday 21st March Coffee Morning, Cleckheaton Methodist Church

MELTHAMSaturday 9th May Coach Trip to Hull

Saturday 20th June Coffee Morning, Meltham Church Hall

Saturday 4th July Tombola Stall, Meltham Memories

Saturday 5th September Coffee morning, Meltham Methodist Church

Are you interested in joining your local Support Group? Our groups are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to get involved with their fundraising campaigns throughout the year. If you would like more information about your local group, email:[email protected] call: 01484 557911

April - September

With two distances to choose from at this year’s event, 5km or 10km, the Trail Run is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved.

Whether you’re an experienced club runner, are building up to your first race or just want to take on a challenge and have fun with friends and family, you’ll be given a warm welcome and rousing applause as you tackle the course’s playing fields and towpaths.

Starting and finishing at the Leeds Road Sporting Complex in Huddersfield, runners will pound a picturesque trail along the Huddersfield Broad Canal together with hundreds of fellow runners, being cheered the whole way by friends, family and spectators.

So join us on 6th September for what promises to be a fun filled

Take to the Trail for Kirkwood

event for novices and seasoned runners alike.

Registration for both the 5km and 10km Trail Runs is just £10. Runners can also purchase limited edition running vests to wear on the day for just £5.

You can register up to 10 runners online at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/trail-run

You can also register by phone on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected]. Alternatively, registration forms are available at all 20 Kirkwood shops across Kirklees.

The Kirkwood Hospice Trail Run is kindly supported by:

With summer on the way, now is the perfect time to dig out the running shoes you hid away in the back of your wardrobe over the cold winter months and get in shape for the Kirkwood Hospice Trail Run 2015!



BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and The Green Organisation both chose to decorate Kirkwood with top honours at their respective annual award ceremonies, much to the delight of everyone at the Hospice.

The first award to be received was the coveted International Green Apple Award, presented in front of an international audience at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in November.

The award was presented to Devika Parmar of IBI Nightingale, the firm of architects responsible for designing Kirkwood’s new in-patient unit, alongside Kirkwood’s Premises and Support Services Co-ordinator, Lyn Banks, who was involved with the project from the outset.

The Green Apple accolade is awarded for Environmental Best Practice, with the awards recognised internationally for identifying and promoting best practice in the field of sustainability.

Lyn Banks was delighted to collect the Green Apple award, saying: “It recognises the hard work put in by everyone connected to the Capital Appeal project, from the concept and design, right through to the building phase. It’s particularly rewarding for me as leader of the green group initiative here at Kirkwood.

Kirkwood was honoured at two prestigious awards ceremonies toward the end of last year, winning top awards from both national and international bodies.

Delight at international awards recognition

“It’s a fitting tribute to the vision of creating a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable in-patient unit which will help us to care for patients for the next 25 years and beyond.”

The beautifully landscaped gardens at Kirkwood have also received a great deal of attention over the past 12 months. As well as being featured on ITV’s flagship breakfast programme Good Morning Britain, the gardens won acclaim at the BALI

National Landscape Awards, taking home the gong in the Community and Schools Development category.

Devoted gardening volunteers Stephen Bailey and John Startin were invited to attend the glittering awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, picking up the award on behalf of the Hospice. Stephen said: “We had a very enjoyable day in good company; we had good food, enjoyed the excellent award ceremony and had a superb experience.”

Kevin Ballantyne of Couch Perry Wilkes pictured with Kirkwood’s Lyn Banks and Devika Parmarof IBI Nightingale

Get ready to have the time of your life with the first ever Kirkwood Colour Rush. Celebrate the vibrant characters in your life and create new memories as you run, walk, skip or dance your way around a 5k course, being covered with vivid colour combinations along the way.

Experience the elation and excitement of crossing the finishing line to be dazzled by powder paint

Kirkwood Colour Rush - Sunday 4th October, Oakwell Hall Country Park

Cover yourself in colour for Kirkwood!as the fun continues at our ‘Colour Party’.

The Kirkwood Colour Run is a non-competitive, untimed event which promises to be a fun-packed event for friends, family and colleagues alike. Whoever you choose to take part with, you’ll be able to celebrate the lives of loved ones whilst raising vital funds for the Hospice.

Remember: you might start in white, but you’ll finish as a work of art!

For more information, or to register for this event, please email: [email protected] or call: 01484 557911

The Kirkwood Colour Run is kindly supported by:


What is your role?I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Community Palliative Care Team.

How would you sum it up in one sentence?My job is to support patients in the community with specialist palliative care needs, including symptom control, psychological support and advice.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?Spending time with my family out in the fresh air.

What would you say you are best at?Getting to know my patients. I enjoy building relationships with my patients and their families.

What is the most important aspect of your work?Being genuine and always giving my best.

Where is your favourite place?Northumberland. I love walking in the area.

What is the best thing about your role?I work in a lovely team and get to meet some lovely people in the community.

What is your greatest achievement?Being a mum.

What is your greatest fear?Anything that threatens my family.

What would you change about your life?Life is a journey – it changes all the time! A little more time to take in the view would be nice. But then I do like to keep busy, so it is just grand as things are!

Jayne Bargh

A team of experienced health and social care workers are running a series of 3 week programmes at Kirkwood throughout 2015, aimed at supporting carers of people with life limiting illnesses.

The Share & Care Group will run in partnership with Carers Count thanks to the backing of Kirklees Council, who are funding the project. The course has been developed to help people who have become a carer and would like to access support and advice, learn new skills and find ways to cope more effectively. Carers will also be able to share experiences and offer peer support.

Social worker Catherine Thompson, who is helping to run the Share & Care Group, understands the burden placed on carers. She said: “We recognise that a carer’s time is very important to them.

Carers encouraged to seek support

That’s why we want to encourage anyone attending the course to bring the person they are caring for along with them. Our Support & Therapy department team is fully equipped to offer support and will also provide refreshments.”

If a carer would like to attend the sessions but cannot travel, the Hospice can arrange transport.

Share and Care Group sessions will be held in April, June, August and October in 2015. Each session in the three week course will begin at 10.30am and finish no later than 12.00 noon. For a full list of dates, please visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

If you would like more information or wish to refer yourself or a patient, please contact Jackie Holmes or Catherine Thompson at Kirkwood Hospice on: 01484 557900, or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Supported by:



Kirkwood’s Almondbury shop is on the move!Be sure to make a note of Wednesday 15th April 2015 in your diary. Kirkwood’s Almondbury shop is relocating. But don’t worry – it’s only moving 50 metres down the road!

Kirkwood’s Head of Retail, Angela Dyson, is delighted that a deal has been struck to lease the premises at 89 Northgate, a larger space which will allow the shop to offer more choice to local customers.

“We’re all thrilled to be relocating to the new site in the heart of Almondbury, just a stone’s throw from

the current shop.” said Angela. “The Almondbury shop has been

in need of a makeover for some time and the opportunity to move to a bigger space was one we couldn’t turn down.”

Since opening in 2006, the Hospice’s Almondbury shop has become a focal point in the community, offering a wide range of high quality new and used items at the best possible price. The new larger site will allow the general public to get their hands on even more bargains.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the new shop.” said Angela. “It will be exciting to be able to offer an even better shopping experience in our new home.”

Kirkwood’s new shop will open at 10am on Wednesday 15th April 2015 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning and all shoppers will be in with a chance of winning a luxurious Regency Food Hamper.

Frances takes out the clippers to raise funds for KirkwoodA loyal customer at Kirkwood Hospice’s Holmfirth shop had a close shave over the New Year, cutting her hair in front of inquisitive customers to raise funds for Kirkwood.

Frances O’Dwyer, 62, of Holmfirth, has been a keen shopper at the Holmfirth charity shop since moving to the area around a decade ago. After deciding she wanted to do something to raise money for Kirkwood, she hit upon the idea of taking the clippers to her hair.

“At some point over the last few years my hair changed from a nice brown to a kind of sludge colour and it

really aged me. I thought, if I am going to shave my hair, why not do it for charity?”

Frances, a keen supporter of the Hospice movement, has taken part in many of Kirkwood’s fundraising events since moving to West Yorkshire and her latest initiative has netted the Hospice £400.

“Wherever I have been I have always supported my local Hospice. If ever my family or I needed their services I know they would be there.”

Liz Turner, the Manager of Kirkwood’s Holmfirth shop was delighted to help Frances in her challenge.

“Frances is a brilliant customer and a big supporter of the Hospice.” said Liz. “She takes part in many fundraising events at Kirkwood. Her efforts make a huge difference locally.”

From vintage toys and memorabilia to bespoke clothing and antiques; whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something special at the Kirkwood Hospice eBay page.

Have you visited our eBay page yet?Our eBay charity page is an easy

way for buyers to support Kirkwood, safe in the knowledge that anything you buy will help us to continue to care. All from the comfort of your sofa.

So don’t miss out on a fantastic bargain. Get bidding today at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/ebay

Shop News


Buoyed by the success of last year’s Tour de France, Kirkwood is organising its second annual Cycle Sportive Challenge, a 70 mile bike ride taking in the stunning West Yorkshire countryside.Starting from the Hospice’s Dalton base, the challenging Level 3 route will take in some of the most picturesque (and undulating) countryside in the Holme Valley, including Digley reservoir, Holmfirth and Denby Dale. Just like last year’s inaugural event, the 70 miles is designed to test riders pedalling power as well as stamina.

Anita Crowther was one of three keen cyclists from Yorkshire Bank who took on the Sportive last year. She said: “It was a personal challenge for me and my two colleagues, but one we were determined to complete. The support we received really gave us the motivation to keep pedalling.”

Teams and individuals are all welcome. You can sign up online at www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/sportive.

Alternatively you can pick up a form at any of our 20 shops across Kirklees or call Gabrielle on: 01484 557911. Registration is £25 per rider and includes event insurance through British Cycling.

The 2015 Hospice Cycle Sportive is kindly supported by:

Get on your bike for the 2015 Cycle Sportive Challenge

Over 100 Easter Baskets Raffled for KirkwoodIn the run up to Easter, many local businesses, pubs, clubs and groups kindly agreed to raffle an Easter basket to raise funds for the Hospice. Thanks to their generosity, 115 baskets were delivered to our supporters.

If you spot one in your local area, be sure to buy a ticket for your chance to win a fabulous Easter hamper.


This year’s Easter campaign is kindly supported by:


Breathe Better, a focussed six week course for people suffering from chronic lung conditions, launched in 2014 in partnership with the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and Locala. The aim of the project is to help those living in Kirklees to manage their illness more effectively through a series of information and support sessions.

The course has already proved beneficial for patients such as Brian, who feels it has helped him to come to terms with his condition.

“Breathe Better was really helpful. Accepting that I need to use a wheelchair sometimes has been a big help as I can now get out more with my wife. I have more energy to do things when I am out now.” said Brian. “The course has helped me come to terms with the limitations of my condition and I know now that I sometimes need to ask for help.”

The focus of Breather Better is to offer advice on subjects such as living with fatigue and medicine management, whilst also teaching breathing management techniques.

Kirkwood Medical Director, Dr Stephen Oxberry, is delighted that Breathe Better will continue this year. He feels it is an important programme as people with respiratory conditions often find it difficult to find or access support in the last years of life.

“People with chronic respiratory conditions are often under-represented in terms of available care and support services, so a programme like Breathe Better is a great way to try and reach those individuals who may need our support.” said Dr Oxberry.

“By offering people the chance to be referred to a programme such as Breathe Better, we are helping to cut down on potentially unnecessary hospital admissions as well as creating a new way for patients to access our services.”

Breathe Better has also allowed people like Jon to rediscover their confidence, and start to do more.

“Since attending Breathe Better I have started to walk 1/4 of a mile up to 3 or 4 times a week.” said Jon. “I used to be very frightened to do this, but I am now managing to walk around the block. The course has given me confidence to know that if I just say to myself “sit down lad“ my breathing will return to normal.”

Of the 35 who completed Breathe Better in 2014, 16 have had ongoing contact with at least one of the Hospice’s services -

from complementary therapy to psychological support and formal day care.

“In reality, very few, if any, of the patients who attended Breathe Better last year would have had any contact with hospice services if it wasn’t for this course.” said Dr Oxberry. “ It highlights what a valuable programme Breathe Better has become in just 12 months.”

Hospice Physiotherapist Lisa Wright, who is part of the team which runs Breathe Better, has seen first-hand what a difference the sessions can make to patients.

“Breathe Better offers simple solutions to really help improve the lives of people living with chronic respiratory illnesses.” said Lisa. “Our aim is to give people the tools to prioritise what’s important and hopefully make sure that they start having more good days than bad.”

If you would like more information about Breathe Better, or for 2015 course dates, please contact Elaine Gill on: 01484 557900 or visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

Breathe Better continues to make a real difference to patientsAfter a successful first year in which 35 people completed ‘Breathe Better’, the team at Kirkwood is delighted that the programme will continuethroughout 2015.


With the help of Pulse1 and Pulse2, Make A Difference 2015 will help to create awareness about the work of Kirkwood Hospice across the community whilst raising vital money to support the patients, families, carers and friends who depend on its services.

As an independent Hospice, Kirkwood currently needs to raise over £5.5m each year just to maintain its services. This averages out to a staggering £15,338 per day.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of West Yorkshire, ‘Make A Difference Day 2014’ helped the Hospice to raise over £63,000, which will go toward providing vital care for patients. In 2015, we need the help of individuals, groups and local businesses - people just like you - to help us raise even more!

Make A Difference in 2015!

How can I Make A Difference in 2015?

We are encouraging people from across the community to get involved and help to support the work of the Hospice throughout 2015. You can do this in a number of original and quirky ways whilst having fun at the same time, safe in the knowledge that you are helping to ‘Make A Difference’ for people across Kirklees who rely on the Hospice every day.

What can I do?Practically anything that will raise

money for Kirkwood! If nerve-shredding challenges are your thing, why not get your adrenaline pumping at Tough Mudder (fancy dress optional) or take part in our zip line challenge and hurl yourself down the side of a mountain at 100mph?

If you are the type of person who prefers to keep both feet firmly on the ground, why not organise a pamper night, welly throwing contest, pub crawl, folk concert or coffee morning with friends? If you’re still stuck for ideas you’ll find an ‘A-Z of Ideas to Make A Difference’ in our Make A Difference 2015 Fundraising Pack, which can be downloaded at: www.pulse1.co.uk or www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/mad

People PowerWe all know that it’s easier to

organise an event or take on a challenge when you’re not doing it alone. Not only is fundraising as part of a team rewarding and fun, but it can really help to develop work relations and build lasting friendships. If you or your colleagues would like to take on a challenge as part of a team, please get in touch or check out our Fundraising Pack for more ideas.

However you choose to support Kirkwood, every pound raised during Make A Difference 2015 will help to fund a future of care and support for the people who depend on the Hospice each and every day.

For a Fundraising Pack and for more information, please visit www.pulse1.co.uk, email [email protected] or call Dawn on: 01484 557913

After the success of Make a Difference Day last year, Kirkwood Hospice has teamed up with Pulse1 and Pulse2 radio to launch a year-long fundraising campaign: Make A Difference 2015.

Make A Difference 2015 is kindly supported by:



The annual Kirkwood Hospice Midnight Memory Walk is back for 2015, with a new 10 mile (or shorter 6 mile) walk around Kirklees. Starting and finishing at The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, this is an event not to be missed.

Over 1,000 people took on the challenge last year, walking through the night along well lit streets to remember someone special and to share precious memories. Money raised from the event goes towards providing care for people living with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees.

One of last year’s walkers was Jeff Barker, whose team ‘Em’s Angels’ took on the 10 mile course in honour of his late wife Emma.

“The walk is about acknowledging what an amazing job Kirkwood Hospice does.” said Jeff.

“Em’s cancer was very aggressive. She fought it as hard as she could for two years but we found out it wasn’t going to go away.

“We were told that she only had a few days left, but in the end we had a couple of weeks at Kirkwood. It was a really precious time for us.

“A lot of the energy for the walk came from the group I was walking with. A lot of them saw Emma when she was really poorly and they wanted to play their part in remembering her”.

The entry fee is £12 per person (and £6 for walkers aged 16 and under).

EARLY BIRD OFFER!As a special offer for newsletter

readers, if you get your entry form in before 14th April 2015 you will qualify for the early bird price of just £10 (£5 for walkers ages 16 and under). Please mention the newsletter when registering.

Once you sign up you will receive a walker’s guide as well as a t-shirt to wear on your training walks and on the night of the walk.

There is no minimum sponsorship requirement. All we ask is that you raise as much money as possible for Kirkwood Hospice.

A brilliant party atmosphere awaits you on the night of the walk, with entertainment, live music and face painting. When you arrive back at the Stadium, you will be presented with a well-deserved bacon butty, drink and medal, which we hope you will wear with pride.

Whether you decide to take part in the 2015 Midnight Memory Walk in memory of a loved one, to get fit, or simply to enjoy a great night out with friends or colleagues, it promises to be a fun, inspiring and rewarding night. So whatever your reason, age, or fitness, be sure not to miss the biggest and best fundraising night of the year.

HOW TO REGISTERRegister online at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/mmw

Call fundraising on: 01484 557911Or Pick up a Registration Form at any of our 20 shops across Kirklees.

The Midnight Memory Walk Principal Sponsors:

Lace Up for the 2015 Midnight Memory Walk. Sat 20th June.

Supporting Sponsors:


WILL you remember us?

For more information on leaving a gift in your will to Kirkwood Hospice, please call: 01484 557911

or visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/legacies

The care and support provided by Kirkwood Hospice is free of charge to anyone who may need it. We receive very little Government funding (less than 20%), so must raise the rest through voluntary donations to ensure we can continue to provide our services.

This amounts to around £4.5 million a year, which is a huge sum. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us raise this money.

Gifts in wills left by supporters account for as much as 20% of the money we need to raise. This equates to the care of 1 in every 5 patients. Simply put, we could not do what we do without the generosity of people remembering us in their wills.

Whether £50 or £500,000, every single pound can make a huge impact.

We understand that when making a will your priority is your family and those close to you. It can also be a wonderful opportunity to support Kirkwood Hospice, ensuring that your gift makes a lasting difference.

Leave something

which helps othersHave you already left us a gift in your will? Please let us know by completing the form below. Above all we’d like to thank you, but it’s also helpful to know so we don’t contact you about gifts in wills unnecessarily.

I have already left a gift in my will to Kirkwood Hospice

I would like more information about leaving a gift in my will to Kirkwood Hospice

Name:

Address:

Phone number:

Please return this form to: Freepost RTJC-RRTR-LSBXKirkwood Hospice, 21 Albany Road, DaltonHuddersfield HD5 9UY

Would you like to be our Friend?By supporting Kirkwood Hospice from as little as £3.50 per month through its Regular Giving scheme, you could help to make a massive difference to patients across Kirklees.

£10 could pay for enough essential oils to massage up to 10 patients, relieving the symptoms of anxiety and breathlessness.

£15 would cover the cost of providing meals for a patient for 1 day.

$£20

would cover the cost of transporting a patient to and from the Hospice, ensuring that we can always be there for those in need of our help.

£133could cover the cost of a community visit by one of Kirkwood’s Specialist Palliative Care Team.

£299 would be enough to purchase a specialist pressure relieving mattress, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and discomfort for our in-patients.

By becoming a Friend of Kirkwood Hospice you will receive:

• A Friends Membership Card

• A Friends of Kirkwood Pin Badge

• An Invitation to our Annual Friends Evening

• An annual Friends Thank You card.

If you would like to make a regular donation to Kirkwood Hospice by becoming a Friend of Kirkwood, please visit our website: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk, call Dawn on: 01484 557913 or email: [email protected]

Friends of Kirkwood Membership Card AW.indd 1 3/14/14 2:23 PM



If you are looking for an action packed, heart pounding, adrenaline bursting experience in 2015 then look no further, Kirkwood has a whole host of exciting challenges to dizzy the senses.

Are you up to the Challenge?

Feel the rush as you hurtle down a mountainside at 100mph, breathe deep as you get nose to nose with 10ft sharks or follow in the footsteps of the Roman Empire on a 25 mile Hadrian’s Wall trek. However you challenge yourself this year, why not do it for Kirkwood Hospice?

15K Experience – Tandem SkydiveSaturday 9th May and Sunday 21st September

Minimum sponsorship £395

Experience the adrenaline-fuelled ecstasy of a freefall from 15,000ft, reaching terminal velocity at 120mph. Then breathe a sigh of relief and take in the beautiful panorama as your parachute opens and you float gently to the ground.

Yorkshire 3 Peaks

Saturday 30th May (plus other availability throughout the year)

Can you conquer the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire in 12 hours or less? Sign up and take part in one of the UK’s best outdoor challenges. During the challenge you will encounter rocky terrain, steep inclines and boggy ground as you scale Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

Hadrian’s Wall Weekend Trek ChallengeDates available in June and September


Follow in the footsteps of our ancient Roman ancestors as you trek 25 miles across the remaining sections of Hadrian’s Wall over two days.

Shark DivingAvailable throughout 2015


Learn basic dive techniques before coming face to face with a collection of 10ft Sharks - with not a cage in sight!

Velocity ZipwireAvailable throughout 2015


Learn the ropes on the ‘Little Zipper’ before hurtling down the mountainside and out across a crystal blue lake at speeds of up to 100mph. Zip up tight for the ride of a lifetime!

Ultimate Indoor Exhilarating Experiences Available throughout 2015

Triple Whammy package. Minimum Sponsorship £250

Awesome Foursome package. Minimum Sponsorship £300

Rotary Navigation Walk Rotary Clubs from Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield have again joined forces to organise the fourth Rotary Navigation Walk on Sunday 19th April. The walk will once again be along the banks of the Calder and Hebble Navigation between Horbury and Sowerby Bridge with the addition of a link along the Spen Valley Green Way between Cleckheaton and the original route at Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury. Money raised will be donated to Kirkwood Hospice, along with three other local Hospices.

Examiner Charity ChallengeThis year’s Examiner Charity Challenge, organised by the Lions Club of Huddersfield, in association with the Huddersfield Examiner, will take place on Sunday 17th May. The Examiner Charity Challenge offers different challenges to walkers, cyclists and horse riders throughout the day.

If you would like more information on any of these challenges, want to reserve a place or would like more information, please contact the Fundraising Office on 01484 557911 or e-mail: [email protected]


Nothing says summer quite like a sunflower. It is the perfect emblem of those long, lazy afternoons, evoking happy memories of magical days gone by. Following the success of Kirkwood’s inaugural Sunflower Memories Appeal in 2014, we are once again inviting you to help us create a sea of sunflowers in the beautiful gardens here at Kirkwood.

Plant your memories in our garden

In return for a donation, we will write the name of someone special to you on a striking sunflower plaque. Your sunflower will be ‘planted’ in the landscaped gardens at Kirkwood Hospice and on Saturday 27th June, between 11am - 3pm, you can pop by to view your flower amongst many others. You will also be welcome to take your sunflower home with you on the day.

There will also be a wonderful selection of plants for sale during the event along with floral demonstrations and refreshments for you to enjoy.

“A lovely fundraising idea”

Margaret Stoakes spent six days at Kirkwood Hospice before she died in 2014. In order to support the Hospice and to celebrate her life, Margaret’s granddaughter Hannah has decided to dedicate a sunflower in her memory this summer.

“My aunt and my mum had been Nana’s two main carers in the last year of her life. As things got worse, it became clear that they would not be able to provide the sort of care that Nana would need to make her final journey as comfortable and as dignified as possible. From the moment the ambulance pulled up at Kirkwood and the doors opened, we all felt such an overwhelming sense of love and safety. We knew that the help we all needed was at hand. My aunt described Kirkwood as the next best place to heaven.

“As a family, we were so scared about what lay ahead because we knew that our special Nana would not be returning home with us. The staff at the Hospice made things so much easier because of their kindness and understanding. The Hospice enabled us to spend those last few days of Nana’s life together as a family without having to worry about any of the practical things, as everything was taken care of by the wonderful staff.

If you would like to dedicate a sunflower for a loved one, please visit our website: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/sunflowersYou can also call the Kirkwood Fundraising team on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected], you can pick up a paper registration form at one of our 20 shops across Kirklees.

Sunflowerthe

memories appeal 2015

“Kirkwood made the most difficult situation a million times easier and will always be in our hearts because of this. We want other families to benefit from this incredible place, which is why we’re supporting the Sunflower Memories Appeal in June. We think this is a lovely fundraising idea, and will be dedicating a sunflower in celebration of Nana’s life.”

The Sunflower Memories Appeal is kindly supported by:



Users of Kirkwood Hospice services were recently asked to take part in a short survey to help the Hospice improve - and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

The User Experience Survey - completed by patients, carers, family members and friends visiting Support & Therapy or the In-Patient Unit over a one month period - asked participants to respond confidentially to a series of eight questions. Queries such as: ‘How would you rate the quality of care received?’ were answered by responding positively or negatively, with several options in between.

When asked: ‘Has the staff’s communication with you been in a kind and sensitive manner?’ over 96% of respondents answered ‘Always’. Answering the question:

Survey finds that 95% would recommend Kirkwood‘How likely are you to recommend Kirkwood’s services to friends or family if they need similar care or treatment?’ over 90% responded ‘Extremely Likely’, with just 3% stating ‘Unlikely’ or ‘Extremely Unlikely’.

The User Experience Survey was part of a pilot scheme aimed at identifying areas in which the Hospice can improve its service. Kirkwood Medical Director, Dr Stephen Oxberry, was delighted with the initial findings and hopes that the results will enable the Hospice team to pinpoint areas in which it can improve.

“It is vitally important to understand how our patients feel about the services Kirkwood provide and surveys such as this will help us to improve the patient experience.”

said Dr Oxberry.“The initial findings have been very

positive. It provides us with a benchmark from which to improve. As one patient stated in their comments: “It’s a very good service, but there is always room for improvement.”

Following the successful pilot, Hospice staff plan to roll out further surveys from this spring.

It’s Tee Time again!The ever popular Kirkwood Charity Golf Day is back for 2015. Bradley Park Golf Club once again plays host to this exciting event so be sure to get your team together and make a note in your diary for one of the Hospice’s most popular summer fundraisers.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just beginning to find your way around the greens, the emphasis is on having fun.

For those not familiar with Bradley Park, apart from its reputation as being one of the country’s finest municipal courses, it is well positioned in beautiful countryside, with some of the most panoramic scenery around.

Teams will play the popular ‘four ball better ball’ format over 18 holes,

with the winning team being the one with the lowest score. After your game you’ll be able to relax and unwind with refreshments and an evening prize presentation at the 19th Hole. Then take to the dance floor for an evening of entertainment and live music from fantastic local band Vital Signs.

Entry is just £140 per team of four.

For further information or to book your team’s place simply visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/fundraising/events/golf contact Kate Leadbeater on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected]

To find out more about Bradley Park Golf Club call: 01484 223772 or visit: www.bradleyparkgolf.co.uk

Kindly supported by:


Shortly after joining the Hospice as a member of the in-patient unit’s nursing team, Steph heard that Kirkwood had secured a rare place at the Virgin Money London Marathon, and she couldn’t resist applying.

“I finished my nurse training last year and spent my final student placement at Kirkwood and knew that it was a place I would love to return to.“ said Steph. “I was extremely fortunate that a number of nursing jobs were advertised at the Hospice shortly after I qualified, and I was successful in getting one of them.”

“So when I saw that Kirkwood Hospice had managed to secure a place in the marathon and were asking people to apply it really got me thinking.”

Steph’s decision to apply for the place, despite admitting to not being a “natural fundraiser”, came down to the care and dedication that she sees around her each and every day.

“Working at Kirkwood is a real privilege. I work with an amazing team of people who are all committed to providing the best possible care to patients and their relatives. I see the immense difference that the care provided here makes to many people’s lives at very difficult times and so I felt I just had to apply.

“I was delighted to be chosen to represent the Hospice on such a huge stage.” said Steph after being told that she had been picked to take on the world’s most prestigious 26.2 mile race. “Knowing that I am running at such an amazing event in aid of such a wonderful cause is a real honour.”

Steph has already held a number of events to raise funds for the Hospice in the run up to the marathon on 26th April and is well on the way to reaching her £2,000 target. She also has other events planned, including a wine tasting at Hoults on 17th April. If you’d like more information about these events, you can find it at: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/marathon

Steph has been overwhelmed by the backing she has received over the last few months. She said: “I am extremely grateful for all the support so far and will hopefully continue to receive over the coming weeks.”

You can find out how Steph is getting on in her final weeks of her training by visiting Kirkwood’s Facebook page. If you would like to sponsor her, visit her Virgin Money Giving page at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StephBailey1

Hospice Nurse Steph to take on Marathon challengeAs one of the latest additions to the team at Kirkwood Hospice, you would be forgiven for thinking Steph Bailey might still be trying to find her feet. The newly qualified nurse has other ideas however - she is lacing up her running shoes and preparing for a marathon challenge.



The generous donation, a 2014 Civic Tourer, was supplied by Leeds Road based Hepworth Honda for use by all Kirkwood staff. The car is now being utilised by teams across the Hospice, enabling the Family Care team to attend appointments and ensuring our Specialist Palliative Care team and therapists can carry specialist equipment more easily when required.

The donation marked the start of a partnership which will see Hepworth Honda sponsoring Kirkwood’s 2015 Midnight Memory Walk. Fundraising staff at the Hospice will also be showcasing the car at local shows and corporate events over the summer months.

Kirkwood’s Partnership Development Manager, Kate Leadbeater, was delighted to continue Kirkwood’s partnership with the locally owned car firm, emphasising that forging strong and lasting relationships is key to the future success of the Hospice.

Kirkwood received an early Christmas present back in December when Stephen Brighton of Hepworth Honda in Huddersfield dropped off the keys to a brand new car.

Kirkwood continuing to forge strong community partnerships

“Hepworth Honda has supported the Hospice for many years.” said Kate. “We are delighted that they have agreed to provide us with a car. It will create a huge saving for the Hospice, allowing us to put more money into providing essential care for the people of Kirklees.

“Creating links with local businesses is a key part of what we are trying to achieve at Kirkwood Hospice. We rely heavily on the support of the local community, from both businesses and individuals, and we have lots of fantastic opportunities for companies to get involved and enjoy the benefits.”

“We are delighted to have forged a strong partnership with the team from Hepworth Huddersfield over the years and we are really looking forward to working closely with Stephen and his team in 2015.

Stephen Brighton, Managing Director at Hepworth Honda, was eager to be able to provide a car to the Hospice and help it to reduce costs.

“We felt that Kirkwood would really benefit from the opportunity to have a vehicle that reduces running costs and could carry all the equipment the support teams need to deliver the outstanding service they provide for the people of Kirklees.” said Stephen.

“Hepworth Honda has been part of the Huddersfield business community since the late 1970’s and has been supporting Kirkwood Hospice in various ways since 2006. Most of our business comes from the Kirklees area so we feel it is important to support local charities and sporting teams. We believe our customers feel the same way too and appreciate the fact that we try to support worthy causes.”

If you or your business are interested in potential partnership opportunities with Kirkwood Hospice, please contact Kate Leadbeater on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected]


News in brief

If you would rather not receive our Newsletter, please contact the Fundraising Department on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected] or write to us at the following address:

The Fundraising Department, Kirkwood Hospice, 21 Albany Road, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 9UY

If you would like to receive the Newsletter by email please contact Kirkwood Hospice.

If you do not receive a personal copy of the Newsletter but would like to do so, please contact us. If you have received more than one copy of our Newsletter then please tell us so that we can amend our database.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThank you to Reflex Print and Design Ltd, Browndog Design, the Huddersfield Examiner and the Reporter Series for their continued support and supply of photographs. Our newsletter could not be produced without their expertise.

DO YOU HAVE AN EYE FOR A GOOD PICTURE?Calling all creative photographers! We are looking for the pictures which perfectly depict life in Kirklees for this year’s Personalised Christmas Cards and our 2016 calendar. Would you like your work be featured? It could be a picture you’ve already taken, or one you’re yet to take. Interested? If so, here’s your brief:

Personalised CardsWe are looking for two striking seasonal photographs suitable for use as Christmas Cards. Landscape or portrait, colour or monochrome, as long as they capture the imagination, we want to see them! Deadline for entries is Friday 26th June 2015. Entrants must be 16 years or over.

Kirkwood Hospice 2016 CalendarWe are looking for 12 fantastic landscape images depicting life in Kirklees throughout the seasons. Cards should depict life in Kirklees, a local landmark or beauty spot. Deadline for entries is Friday 8th May 2015. Entrants must be 16 years or over.If one of your pictures is chosen, we’ll make sure you’re credited. We’re looking forward to seeing your fantastic images!For further details, contact Emily on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected]

Art Exhibition at Northorpe Hall 11th - 12th April 2015

Showcasing the work of the esteemed Richard Gawthorpe and many other talented local artists, this exhibition will be open between 10am - 4pm.

Proceeds will go to Kirkwood Hospice. Refreshments, a raffle and a selection of goods will be on sale, plus an Easter egg trail for Children. Parking is free.

If you are interested in exhibiting your own work, please contact Fundraising on: 01484 557911 or email: [email protected]

Shop Directory

ALMONDBURY89 Northgate, Almondbury HD5 8RX

01484 428281 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

BATLEY89 Commercial Street, Batley WF17 5EF

01924 420791 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

CLECKHEATON47 Northgate, Cleckheaton BD19 3HS

01274 877275 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

DALTON9 Edgeware Road, Dalton HD5 9US

01484 518262 / Mon - Sat 10am - 4.30pm

DENBY DALE335a Wakefield Road, Denby Dale HD8 8RT

01484 861087 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

DEWSBURY24 Longcauseway, Dewsbury, WF12 8EN

01924 460122 / Mon - Sat 9am- 5pm / Sun 10am -4 pm

eBay Tel: 01484 540678

HECKMONDWIKE6A Northgate Retail Centre, Heckmondwike WF16 9RL

01924 412289 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

HOLMFIRTH17 Victoria Square, Holmfirth HD9 2DN

01484 685020 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm / Sun 10:30am - 4pm

HONLEY21 Westgate, Honley HD9 6AA

01484 661503 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

HUDDERSFIELD5 Byram Street, Huddersfield HD1 1BX

01484 430326 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

KIRKBURTON159 North Road, Kirkburton HD8 0RU 01484 609312 Mon - Sat 8.45am - 4.45pm

LINDLEY90 Acre Street, Lindley HD3 3EL

01484 452874 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

MARSDEN30 Peel Street, Marsden HD7 6BW

01484 768879 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm / Sun 10am - 4pm

MARSH142 Westbourne Road, Marsh HD1 4LF

01484 541075 / Mon - Sat 9am – 5pm

MELTHAM15 Huddersfield Road, Meltham HD9 4NJ

01484 851372 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

MILNSBRIDGE46 Market Street, Milnsbridge HD3 4HY

01484 652811 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

MIRFIELD172 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield WF14 8AN

01924 493660 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

NEWSOME2-4 Ruth Street, Newsome HD4 6JF

01484 543994 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

SLAITHWAITE33 Britannia Road, Slaithwaite HD7 5HF

01484 846021 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

WATERLOO 630a Wakefield Road, Waterloo HD5 8PZ

Tel: 01484 516552 / Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

The event is kindly supported by Northern Commercials.


Kirkwood Hospice Newsletter Spring/Summer 2015

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Transcript of Kirkwood Hospice Newsletter Spring/Summer 2015