In 2025, Helen and Mark joined the Moonlight Walk for the first time, walking with their children and wider family in memory of their youngest brother, Dave (pictured), who died at the Hospice just five months earlier.
Helen had often watched the event and hoped to take part one day. After Dave’s death, her son Joel encouraged the whole family to walk together in his honour. Helen describes Dave as “a funny character, the youngest of four, he was very witty and sharp with a dry sense of humour… he really cared about his nephews and nieces and was so interested in all that they did and achieved.”
Dave had lived with cognitive and physical challenges following a head injury when he was young, and the family had already experienced significant loss after the death of their brother Gary in 2021. When Dave later developed pulmonary fibrosis, his health declined quickly. He was referred to the Hospice’s Wellbeing Programme in 2024 and became well known to the whole team. In March 2025 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and was admitted to St Michael’s Hospice in May.
Helen drove him to the Hospice and settled him into a room overlooking the gardens. She remembers Dave saying his room “was like winning the lottery”. He enjoyed gentle gardening and being up early each day. Mark recalls how the team made his stay as comfortable as possible, even installing a television so he could watch football and it feel like a home from home. A small gesture that meant a great deal.
As Dave’s condition worsened, the family were deeply grateful for the nursing team’s compassion. Mark said, “Five stars are not enough… He felt safe here. Dave died on a sunny May morning, with his bedroom doors open… it just felt nice and calm. He was free, he was gone and not in pain anymore.”
Soon after his death, the family signed up for the Moonlight Walk as a group of 12, walking in memory of both Dave and Gary. Mark said, “It was surprising how many people that we knew have been through something similar and had lost loved ones, and were taking part too. We were all here together and it reminds you that it’s just part of life.”
Helen added, “The atmosphere was lovely. Everyone was there for their own reasons but all with something in common. Dave would not have wanted us to be sad. I’m pleased we all took part and I think Dave would have been pleased that we enjoyed the evening and took comfort in the companionship.”
Reflecting on the Hospice, Mark said, “The Hospice is beyond important. I know I’d be in safe hands if I ever needed them and would be cared for in those last days of life. You can’t put a sum of money on that.”
Who will you walk for? Join Helen, Mark, Joel, and hundreds of other people walking in memory of someone they treasure this September at Moonlight Walk. Secure your tickets today.
