KATY Allan has already completed the first 5k of her Night Strider walk, accompanied by just baby daughter Emilia and dog Dexter.
But the second half of the fundraising challenge will see her joined by friends, all keen to help her raise money in memory of grandad Brian Hamilton, who was a St Luke’s patient before his death in August.
Night Strider is our popular fundraiser, now in its seventh year, that sees supporters heading off on either a 10k or walking half marathon challenge.
In 2020 the event went virtual for the first time as our supporters did their own lockdown walks, following Covid-19 guidelines.
And it’s safety first this year too as participants are again encouraged to choose their own 10k or half marathon route throughout the month of October.
Katy has already completed the first 5k by taking baby Emilia and family pet Dexter for walks in woodland near their Dinnington home.
But the second leg of the challenge on October 23 will see her joined by friends as they set out from the Pangolin graft beer shop in Hillsborough to walk up to Loxley and back.
“The only thing that made our grandfather’s loss remotely bearable was how comfortable his final days were and how well cared for he was by the whole team at St Lukes,” said Katy, whose sister Emma used to work at St Luke’s.
“From domestics to doctors, we owe the whole team so much gratitude - they all played a part.
“I also spent many happy times at the hospice visiting my grandad and they truly make it a home from home environment.”
Katy set herself a target of £100 but has already smashed that by reaching £294, with the aim at seeing that total rise even further when the whole team start walking.
“St Luke’s holds a very special place in my heart but I was shocked to learn that they only get 25 per cent NHS funding and so the bulk of their revenue is reliant on donations.
“I’m hoping people will donate whatever they can, big or small, to help support the St Luke’s team as they continue their work with the people of Sheffield.
“One of the last things grandad said to me was how well he had been looked after by St Lukes and how he wanted to donate them some money so now I want to do him proud.
“I know it is not exactly a marathon, but I am doing whatever I can to help raise awareness and funds whilst slowly building my own fitness back up again in the process!”
To support Katy and her friends visit Katy Allan
To find out more about Virtual Night Strider and how to get involved visit Night Strider