19 Mar 2026 Community

In Memory of Mum: Why Siobhan Walks for The Kirkwood

For Siobhan Smith, taking part in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk is far more than just a walk, it’s a deeply personal way to honour her mum, Moira, while giving back to the charity that supported her family through their most difficult time.

Moira was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. After years of treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the family received devastating news in May 2023 that the cancer had spread and there was nothing more that could be done.

It was then that The Kirkwood stepped in: “The Kirkwood transferred my mum from hospital to their In-Patient Unit straight away,” Siobhan recalls. “She was treated with nothing but respect and dignity, and I truly cannot speak highly enough of the place.”

During her time at the hospice, Moira experienced the full breadth of care that The Kirkwood provides, not only medical, but emotional and holistic support too.

Siobhan said: “My mum particularly loved the holistic treatments that were offered. All the staff at The Kirkwood, including the nurses, doctors, counsellors and volunteers are beyond amazing. Nothing is too much trouble and they just know what you need before you even know yourself.”

Moira spent five weeks at The Kirkwood before she sadly passed away. For Siobhan, knowing her mum’s final weeks were spent in such a caring and compassionate environment brings a sense of comfort: “I am so grateful that her final weeks were spent there. The staff also helped me with the next steps afterwards, at a time when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I was also given counseling at The Kirkwood to help me deal with my loss. I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through that difficult time without them. The Kirkwood will always have a special place in my heart.”

It’s this experience that drives Siobhan to take part in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk. She first took part in 2024, raising an incredible £500. Although she was unable to take part in 2025 after welcoming her baby boy, she is now looking forward to returning this year: “I’m really excited to be back. I want to take part again to help raise funds for future patients and their families, because I know first hand the impact of the care they provide.”

For Siobhan, the Starlight Walk represents something truly special, a chance to remember loved ones while coming together with others in the community: “The Starlight Walk isn’t just about turning up at the start line and walking. It’s about remembering loved ones, enjoying a special night, and raising money so The Kirkwood can continue providing such an incredible level of care.”

The event has become a much loved part of The Kirkwood’s calendar, bringing together hundreds of supporters each year for an evening filled with emotion, celebration and community spirit: “There’s always plenty of entertainment before the walk begins, including music, performers and a lively dance warm-up to get everyone ready, and, of course, the lovely breakfast at the end. It’s honestly such a fun and meaningful night, a chance to come together with friends and do something amazing for our local hospice.” 

Having experienced The Kirkwood’s care first-hand, Siobhan knows just how vital the charity is to families across Kirklees: “The Kirkwood is incredibly important to our local community, often in ways people don’t fully realise until they need it themselves. They go far beyond end-of-life care. They provide vital support to families when they need it most.”

And for Siobhan, taking part in the Starlight Walk is her way of ensuring that support continues for others: “Anyone living with a life limiting illness deserves to be treated with the same compassion and respect that The Kirkwood showed my mum.”

If you have been inspired by Siobhan's story and want to also raise funds for us by taking part in The Kirkwood Starlight Walk you can sign up HERE.