Blue is the colour at Memory Walk

Blue was the colour as the community turned out in force to put on their walking boots and pledge a record breaking £117,124 for the hospice.

The annual event, sponsored by Syngenta, is now in its 12th year and an important event in the Kirkwood calendar.

It brings the community together for a special night of celebration and remembrance.

As well as raising vital funds for Kirkwood, for many walkers the walk is an important way to remember loved ones who have died and to pay tribute to their lives.

For Julie Hardwick from Batley, this year’s walk was special as she walked in memory of her brother-in-law David Taylor.

Julie said: “I am remembering my lovely brother-in-law, David Taylor, who lost his fight in February this year and also my lovely dad, who lost his fight 26 years ago. Love and miss them more than words can say.”

For Kirkwood events organiser Kathryn Box this was her first experience of the walk and she was amazed by the turn out.

She said: “Tonight’s Midnight Memory Walk has been a brilliant experience, and one which I am so proud to be part of.

“With 1,265 walkers, it’s one of the biggest turnouts for the walk. This year, the amount pledged has broken records and the atmosphere has been amazing. So many people have been sharing stories about loved ones.

“I want to say a huge thank you to every single person that has walked tonight.”