KEMP Hospice patient Richard Walker is celebrating reaching a landmark 5% survival rate following a diagnosis of a Glioblastoma 4 terminal brain tumour in 2021. After being told he had around 12 to 20 months remaining, he chose to celebrate the milestone by raising funds for Wyre Forest charity KEMP Hospice.
Richard said “I wanted to show my support for the people who have been supporting me. I’ve been coming to KEMP for just over a year and the team are simply amazing. Coming to KEMP gives me a break from the world. Walking through that door is like shutting everything else off, leaving everything behind you. None of us talk about our illnesses. We’re all in the same boat and we just have a good chat about whatever.”
In an incredible celebration held on Saturday 8th March, Richard, with support from his friends and family, raised £2,500 for KEMP Hospice. The highlight of the evening was the raffle with Richard’s 11-year-old son Max helping to get things organised and taking charge on the night by announcing all the winners.
Russell Halfpenny, Community & Events Fundraiser at KEMP Hospice said “We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported Richard’s event and helped to raise an incredible amount. Richard’s story is truly inspirational, and we’re humbled by his commitment to supporting KEMP Hospice.”
Thanks to the variety of free of charge services KEMP provides, Richard can access not only Day Hospice activities including Reiki and massage, but also the therapy available from the bereavement support team. “I really do love it at KEMP; it helps so much, and I’m so pleased I can access such a variety of services while I’m here. My celebration night was a huge success, everybody really enjoyed themselves and I’m so thrilled to have been able to raise much needed funds to support KEMP as a way of giving back for the support they have given to me”.
To learn more about KEMP Hospice Services visit their website www.kemphospice.org.uk or to read more about Richard’s story, visit www.kemphospice.org.uk/richards-story
