Daughters join charity night walk to remember dad

Walter’s two daughters, Jenny and Claire, have signed up for the Treetops Moonlight Walk to say thank you to the hospice.

Treetops nurses were a lifeline

Proceeds from the sponsored 10k night walk help fund Treetops nursing care for local patients at the very end of life, in their own home. The Treetops nurses were a ‘lifeline’ to Walter and his family as Jenny explained:

“Daddy was a keen walker. He loved to travel with my mum, Mo – his wife of 53 years. There weren’t many places around the world that they hadn’t visited! He also loved being at home, pottering in his beautiful garden, and spending time with his six grandchildren. He was a doting grandpa.”

His diagnosis was a bombshell

Walter was a fit and health-conscious 79-year-old. He was attending a gym three times a week, when he developed a cough in the summer of 2017.

“After antibiotics failed to do the trick, Daddy had an X-ray which showed a shadow on his lung. He had never smoked and rarely drank, but despite his fit and active appearance, the cancer had spread like wildfire.

“The cancer was so far advanced that there was no time for treatment, no time for tests, or hospital visits, no hope. His diagnosis was a bombshell that stopped us all in our tracks.”

Our lives were turned upside down

Walter wanted to be at home for end-of-life care. The emotional and physical toll was immense on his family, who wanted to take care of him.

“In less than two weeks, our lives had been turned upside down. Daddy’s health declined rapidly. Claire and I moved back home, helping mum to provide round-the-clock care.

The call from Treetops to offer us a Hospice at Home nurse overnight was literally like hearing from a guardian angel. It was a lifeline.

“Leaving Daddy in the capable hands of palliative care specialists allowed us to finally get some much-needed rest, knowing he was safe and comfortable.

Support made an immeasurable difference for our family

“The nurses visited each night, and their support made an immeasurable difference for our family.

Those precious eighteen days were filled with love and togetherness. It was wonderful that we were all at home with him when he died. This may not have been possible without the support of the Hospice at Home nurses.

“Thanks to Treetops, we are now able to look back on those difficult days with affection and comfort, knowing we were all together at home. We had unwavering support during an incredibly tough time.”

Proud to be walking in Daddy’s memory

Jenny is encouraging others to join the charity night walk, and remember their own loved ones:

“We’re very proud to be walking in Daddy’s memory. It seems fitting to take part considering how much he loved walking. It’s something Claire and I can do together and we’re hoping some of our children will join us too.

The Moonlight Walk is an opportunity to support a very worthy charity and have fun with family and friends along the way.”

Join the Moonlight Walk 2024

Jenny and Claire are amongst several hundred people taking part in Treetops Moonlight Walk. The event is Derby’s biggest night-time charity walk, on Friday 6 September at 8pm. Participants can take on a 5k or 10k route, starting and ending at Bustler Derby.

The Treetops Moonlight Walk entry fee is £18. Everyone who takes part is encouraged to raise £48 in sponsorship. This will help to fund four hours of Hospice at Home nursing care for local patients at the very end of life.