Charity challenge for life-saving equipment in memory of much-loved Beverley man

‘MISSED BEYOND MEASURE’: Keith Wood

By Rick Lyon

Family and friends of a man who died suddenly on Christmas Day are preparing for a 51-mile walk to raise money for life-saving equipment in his memory.

Beverley resident Keith Wood died unexpectedly on December 25, 2022, aged 68, due to heart-related problems.

Now, his family and friends are planning to walk the Minster Way, from York Minster to Beverley Minster, from September 15 to 17.

The money will buy at least one defibrillator to be located at the Angel pub in Beverley, where Keith had many friends and enjoyed visiting.

The team hope to raise at least £2,000, with any additional money raised buying a second defibrillator at the Lord Nelson pub in Beverley, where Keith also loved to visit.

If any funds remain, the amount will be split between the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK, which are charities Keith would have supported.

Keith’s daughter Katy Wood, 38, said: “Losing dad is absolutely devastating and he is missed beyond measure. He was an exceptional man with a kind heart and he always had time for everyone he met.

“Dad loved walking, he was an avid historian and he loved York and Beverley, so walking the Minster Way is a fitting tribute to him and something he would have enjoyed taking part in.

“It’s important to stress that a defibrillator couldn’t have saved dad but it could save one of his friends, or a member of the community he truly loved, in the future.

TEAM EFFORT: Some of the walkers and support crew involved in Keith Wood’s Memorial Walk, including his daughter Katy, far left, and wife Teresa, far right

“The walk is a huge team effort, with family and friends pulling together to organise fundraising, logistics, recces of the route and support. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated and supported the team so far.

“This wouldn’t be happening without the kindness, generosity and enthusiasm of a lot of people who all loved dad.”

Day one of the walk will cover 22 miles and 311ft ascent from York Minster to Bishop Wilton.

Day two will see the team walk 13 hilly miles and ascend 1,505ft from Bishop Wilton to North Dalton, and day three will involve a 16-mile walk and 205ft ascent from North Dalton to Beverley Minster, completing the challenge.

Hessle Community Centre has donated its minibus as a support vehicle to the team for two of the three days, while subsidised transport has also been arranged to take the team to York on the first day.

Keith’s son, Mark, and his girlfriend, Jess Moxon, are also part of the walking team, while Keith’s wife Teresa is part of the support crew, along with excellent backing and organisation from additional friends and family.

Stuart Hall, Keith’s good friend and co-organiser of the walk, said: “Keith was a great friend who is sadly missed and this is a really special way to remember him.

“We’re also planning to carry a defibrillator on the walk and show members of the Bishop Wilton and North Dalton communities how to use one, if they would like us to, as I’m a first aid instructor alongside another walker in the team.

“These skills could save someone’s life one day and we know Keith would fully support this fundraising challenge to help others.”

To sponsor the team, visit www.gofundme.com/keiths-memorial-walk