A 13-YEAR-OLD from York is taking on a 12-mile challenge to give back to the carers who look after his Grandpop.
Samuel Walton is embarking on the St Leonard’s Wolds Walk to say thank you for the support the Hospice’s Carer Support Service has provided his grandfather Vic Dennis.
The service is available to all informal carers of patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness - those seeking support can ask their GP or district nurse to refer them to the hospice.
Samuel will be joined by his mum Becky and brother Harrison, 18, as part of a 200-strong group of walkers of all ages and abilities who are raising funds for St Leonard’s in its 40th anniversary year.
The Waltons are long-time supporters of St Leonard’s Hospice, having taken part in the popular Moonlight Walk in previous years.
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They will be taking on the 12-mile Wolds Walk on June 14th as a way of giving something back. Walkers can also choose to follow an 18-mile route through the Yorkshire Wolds – both trails start at the community centre in the East Yorkshire village of Warter.
Becky decided to join the Wolds Walk after seeing first-hand the difference the St Leonard’s Carer Support Service made to her parents.
She said: “We live near the Hospice, and we know how important it is to so many people in our community. We wanted to support a local charity, and so the Moonlight Walk last year was a really fun and easy way to get involved. But this year we’re also doing the Wolds Walk to help support this brilliant local service.
“As a family, we’ve been receiving support from the Carer Support Service for the past two weeks. My mum cares for my dad, Vic, full-time. Now a carer support worker visits weekly so that my mum can go out to the shops and take a bit of time for herself.
“Less than a week after asking our district nurse for details about St Leonard’s, I had a call from the hospice offering three hours of carer support a week for at least six weeks. Finding someone available to support my dad before was difficult, so having help from the St Leonard’s team has made a huge difference.
“It’s such an important service, and it’s comforting to know we’re raising money so that services like this can continue to be there for those who need them.”
Samuel said: “It’s my favourite local charity. It’s really important because they’re giving Grandpop care, so my Nana gets to have a bit of time once a week, and they’re really good at looking after him. I try to raise as much money as possible for the hospice, so lots of other people can get help people like Grandpop.”
Sarah Atkinson, community and events manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Becky and her family for their continued support, and for sharing their personal experience.
"It’s humbling to hear how our services are making a difference, and we wish them the very best of luck with both the Wolds Walk and the Moonlight Walk later in the year. Every step they take helps ensure we can continue to be there for families across our community.”
Samuel has set a fundraising target of £100. People can support him by sponsoring him here.
People can sign up for the Wolds Walk before Saturday 7 June at https://stleonardshospice.org.uk/how-can-you-help-us/events.
The trails climb into Lavender Dale, where they split: the longer route heads towards Huggate, while the shorter trail touches Well Dale. Both routes come together again to pass through Millington Dale and a section of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.
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