When Pendleside Hospice’s Pendle Pub Walk returns on Friday 13th June, one group taking part will be walking not only to raise money for the hospice, but to honour the memory of a friend whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Carol, alongside around 40 friends and family members, will be taking part in this year’s Pendle Pub Walk in memory of her close friend, Heidi Wood, who was cared for on the inpatient unit at Pendleside Hospice in June 2025 after being diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer.
The group is made up of Heidie’s friends and family, who have known each other for many years, along with their children and partners. Heidi’s husband Darryl and son Ellis will also be taking part, as loved ones come together to celebrate Heidi’s life while raising vital funds for the hospice that cared for her.
Describing Heidi, Carol said: “Heidi was one of those people you could never forget, she was so outgoing, so full of life and very loud in the best possible way. If she walked into a room, everyone knew Heidi was there. She had the most amazing laugh, the biggest smile and people were naturally drawn to her”
Heidi, who was 54, was devoted to her family. Whether spending time with family or catching up with friends, she was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved most.
“Family meant everything to Heidi,” said Carol. “She absolutely adored being a nana and loved nothing more than having everyone together.”
Known among friends for her honesty and quick wit, Heidi was somebody people could always rely on for the truth.
“She was very straight talking,” Carol laughed. “She would tell you exactly how it was and never sugar-coat anything, but that’s what everybody loved about her.She was kind, genuine, funny, always herself and a wonderful friend to many”
During Heidi’s time at Pendleside Hospice, Carol explained that the support shown by staff made an incredibly difficult time more bearable for everyone around her. They never wanted Heidi to be on her own so they organised between themselves that someone would always be there. Whether it be family or close friends, no matter what time of day, someone was always there with her
Carol added: “We had a rota between us because we never wanted her to be on her own. No matter what time of day it was, someone was always there with her. The staff at Pendleside were just amazing throughout it all. The nurses, doctors, reception staffand every single person was wonderful and couldn’t do enough for Heidi or for us.”
The care and compassion shown during that time is one of the reasons the group wanted to support the hospice through this year’s Pendle Pub Walk.
For Carol and many of her friends, this will be their first time walking for Pendleside.
Carol added: “You don’t realise just how important a place like Pendleside is until somebody you love needs that support.They cared for Heidi with such dignity and kindness, and they looked after all of us too. Taking part in the walk feels like a way of giving something back.
“She was such a huge character and brought so much joy to people’s lives. We miss her every single day, but being able to do something together in her memory means so much to all of us. We’ll be thinking about her every step of the way.”
Since losing Heidi, friends and family have continued to honour her memory in different ways. During Pendleside Hospice’s Light Up a Life event, Heidi’s husband, Darryl,dedicated a tree so loved ones could decorate it together in Heidi’s memory. Also, Carol’s daughter Mia and her partner, Luke, completed a skydive in the Philippines in tribute to raise money for Pendleside.
Another of Heidi’s friends, Paul, took on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro in January this year, raising sponsorship for Pendleside in memory of Heidi.
Now, the Pendle Pub Walk will become another special moment for the group to come together and remember Heidi while supporting other local families who may need hospice care in the future.
With such a large group taking part, preparations are already well underway. While some are experienced walkers, others are stepping well outside their comfort zones and have been meeting up regularly to train ahead of the event.
The walk also takes place just days before the first anniversary of Heidi’s death on 19th June, making the event even more emotional for those closest to her.
Pendleside Hospice’s Pendle Pub Walk takes place on Friday 13th June and will see supporters take on a scenic walking route across Pendle while raising vital funds for local hospice care.
Whether you walk in memory of a loved one, alongside friends and family, or simply to support your local hospice, every step taken helps Pendleside Hospice continue providing compassionate care and support to patients and families across the community.
To sign up or find out more about the Pendle Pub Walk, visit Pendleside Hospice.