25 Mar 2026 Patient and Family Stories

A granddaughter’s love: Jordan Brook runs in memory of her grandma to support The Kirkwood

When Jordan Brook crossed the finish line of the York Half Marathon, it wasn’t just another running achievement, it was a moment filled with love, remembrance and purpose. Jordan took on the challenge to raise money for The Kirkwood, the charity that cared for her grandma in her final days and supported her family through one of the most difficult times of their lives. In doing so, she turned grief into something powerful, raising an incredible £1,062 to help others facing similar experiences.

Her motivation was deeply personal, shaped by the care her grandma received and the lasting impact it had on her family: “The Kirkwood nurses came out to help my grandma when she was at the end of her life. They were so supportive to her, making sure she was comfortable, and also to my whole family, they helped so much.”

Jordan’s grandma had initially been told she was suffering from sciatica, but after her condition worsened, the family received devastating news, she had stage four lung cancer that had spread to her spine: “From that moment, everything felt like a blur, we spent weeks waiting for results, waiting for decisions while my grandma was just getting worse.”

After a sudden and heartbreaking prognosis, the family made the decision to bring her home, a choice that would allow her to spend her final days surrounded by love: “We didn’t want her to spend her final days in a hospital where she felt like just another patient. We wanted her to be surrounded by family, in her own home, where she felt safe and loved.”

It was then that The Kirkwood stepped in and everything changed: “Once my grandma was home, that’s when The Kirkwood got involved, and from the very first visit, we felt the difference. The nurse that saw us was calm, reassuring, and just so kind, they weren’t just looking after my grandma, they were looking after all of us.”

Even after her grandma’s death, The Kirkwood’s support continued, helping Jordan navigate her grief through counselling: “I also had counselling with The Kirkwood after she passed and Jonathan was incredible at helping me process the loss, it all happened very quickly which was very difficult.”

It’s this full-circle care for both patients and families, that inspired Jordan to give something back: “I really wanted to raise money for The Kirkwood because they were so supportive and caring, I did the York Half Marathon because my grandma previously watched me run this race, and it also fell on her one year anniversary weekend, so it just felt like it was meant to be.”

Crossing the finish line was emotional, a tribute to her grandma and the bond they shared: “We raised £1,062 and I am so proud and happy I could raise that money to support The Kirkwood.”

Jordan’s story is also a powerful reminder of the vital role The Kirkwood plays across Kirklees, and the importance of continued support: “I think The Kirkwood is essential to the community, I don’t think I could have got through it without their support.” She added: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking that more isn’t being done to support The Kirkwood. The fact that they’re a charity and rely on donations is just shocking to me, this is where the money should be going, to the people who are actually making a difference.”

For Jordan, the run was about more than fundraising, it was about honouring her grandma’s memory. A woman who shaped her life in countless ways, including inspiring her career.

She said: “My grandma’s love of baking shaped my entire career, even now, whenever I bake, I think of her. It’s my way of keeping that connection alive.”

Through every mile, every donation, and every memory, Jordan has ensured her grandma’s legacy lives on, not only in her own life, but in the support now being given to other families through The Kirkwood.

If you've been inspired by Jordan's fundraising efforts why not take in your own challenge by clicking HERE!