Walking challenge raises over £9k for life-saving equipment in memory of popular Beverley man
FUNDRAISERS: Some of those who took part in the walk in memory of Keith Wood
By Rick Lyon
Thousands of pounds have been raised to fund life-saving equipment in memory of a popular Beverley man who died suddenly on Christmas Day.
Retired secondary school teacher Keith Wood died unexpectedly from heart-related problems on December 25, 2022, aged 68.
Now, nine of his family and friends have completed a 51-mile walk from York Minster to Beverley Minster, along the Minster Way, to raise funds for defibrillators, as well as the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The team initially hoped to raise £2,000. However, as fundraising gathered pace at speed, their current total stands at more than £9,600 once all money pledged by supporters has been paid.
One defibrillator will be installed at the Angel pub in Beverley and a second will be located at the Lord Nelson pub in the town, both venues Keith enjoyed visiting.
MUCH-LOVED: Keith Wood
The team is now looking into potentially buying a third defibrillator after such an incredible response to fundraising.
Keith’s daughter Katy Wood, 38, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received and the response to this challenge.
“The idea was born from a brief conversation and has grown into a fantastic fundraising effort which is within touching distance of £10,000.
“Dad would have been completely overwhelmed by this and we can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness and generosity.
“A defibrillator couldn’t have saved dad but it could save one of his friends, or a member of the community he loved, which is a wonderful legacy in memory of an outstanding man who was everybody’s friend.
GREAT EFFORT: The team near Millington on day two
“I’d like to thank our fantastic team of walkers and our support crew. It was a massive team effort which has created friendships and memories to last a lifetime. I know dad would have been very proud of everyone involved.”
The team arrived back at Beverley Minster to an incredible welcome from family, friends and supporters on Sunday, September 17, following the three-day challenge.
Day one of the walk, on Friday, September 15, covered more than 22 miles and 311ft ascent from York Minster to Bishop Wilton.
Day two saw the team walk 13 hilly miles and ascend 1,525ft from Bishop Wilton to North Dalton, and day three was a 16-mile walk with 205ft ascent from North Dalton to Beverley Minster.
Hessle Community Centre kindly donated its minibus as a support vehicle to the team for two of the three days, while subsidised transport was also arranged to take the team to York on the first day.
LIFE-SAVING: First aid demos by walkers Stuart Hall and Stuart Gray
Keith’s son, Mark, and his girlfriend, Jess Moxon, were also part of the walking team, while Keith’s wife Teresa was part of the support crew, along with excellent backing and organisation from additional friends and family.
Two of the walkers, Stuart Hall and Stuart Gray, are first aid instructors and carried out a first aid, CPR and choking demonstration for staff at The Star Inn at North Dalton, as well as local residents, to give back to the local community where the team stayed on the second night of the walk.
Stuart Hall, Keith’s good friend who also helped to organise the challenge, said: “The entire team was outstanding and I’m so proud of what we’ve all achieved in memory of Keith.
“It wasn’t an easy challenge and we couldn’t have done it without the support of each other, our families, friends and colleagues.”
Three more friends of the team joined them on the last leg from North Dalton to Beverley.
A raffle, including prizes donated by friends and local businesses, was also held at the Angel pub on the team’s return to add to the fundraising total.
To sponsor the team, visit www.gofundme.com/keiths-memorial-walk