Completing next month’s Starlight Walk will be an achievement in itself for grandfather Barry Oldfield.
Ill health will force him to take things easy as he strolls round woodland at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.
It will be an emotional journey for Barry as he honours the memory of wife June who died of cancer in January 2021, aged 58.
Barry and June Oldfield on their wedding day in 1980.
He won’t be lacking support, though. Sons Barry, Paul and Andrew are joining him for the popular walk organised by East Cheshire Hospice.
Hundreds of other walkers will take part, many also remembering lost loved ones.
Barry, from Macclesfield, said: “I’m not very well, but I thought I’d give it another go after doing the walk with Barry and Paul last year.
“Andrew is also coming along this time to help. My health is getting worse and I have difficulty breathing due to COPD, osteoarthritis in my knees and neuropathy in my hands and feet.
Happier times … June and Barry on holiday.
“Last year we managed two laps, though it took us a long time to get round. My aim this time to get round the 2.5k course once.
“In a way, it’d be an achievement to do that.
“The atmosphere at the event is superb and that helps me. I’ll be thinking of June and the nurses who did such a fantastic job caring for her.”
June died within months of diagnosis and overcame Covid during a hospital stay. Once home, she was looked after by the East Cheshire Hospice @ Home palliative care team.
June was a long-time care team leader at Ingersley Court, Bollington,
Barry said: “The nurses were brilliant as were all her carers. The Hospice nurses looked after me as well. After June died, they still came to see me to make sure I was alright.”
Barry was an army veteran for 34 years, retiring in 2012 to drive a refuse lorry for Cheshire East Council.
The Hospice is still inviting entries for the walk. Gates open at 6 pm with the walk from 7 pm.
Barry Oldfield with Hospice fundraiser Amy Williams.
Participants can walk the route as often as they wish. Lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features to enjoy along the way.
Entry is £22.50 and £17.50 for under 16s. To enter visit the Hospice website.
Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients.
There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
