FAMILY and friends of a beloved pub-goer who spent his final days at Barnsley Hospice after a terminal cancer diagnosis came together for a unique fundraiser - a five-mile walk to his favourite watering hole.
The family of Steve Ward, from Dodworth, wanted to repay the hospice after staff managed to provide joy in one of the darkest times of their lives.
Yet they didn’t want to do any old fundraiser and to honour Steve - who is said to have always enjoyed going out for a drink - it was thought that a walk to one of his locals would be a fitting way to pay tribute.
On October 5, 65 of Steve’s nearest and dearest friends and family walked in their bright orange Barnsley Hospice T-shirts from Penistone back to the Traveller’s Inn in his home village of Dodworth, where a raffle was also held.
Steve’s stepdaughter, Kelly Denton, said: “Barnsley Hospice turned the toughest time in our lives into special memories with Steve.
“They couldn’t have done any more and for that we can never repay them.
“We always knew we would do some fundraising but could never think what to do - Steve would have been well up for a walk and a few drinks, so it was decided we’d do a pub walk.”
Steve spent his whole life in Dodworth, aside from a stint in the army, and for the last 17 days of his life received support at the hospice’s inpatient unit.
“Of course, our hearts were breaking, but Barnsley Hospice’s team were amazing,” Kelly added.
“I still can’t believe the level of care and compassion they gave to Steve.
“He knew he was going to die - we all did.
“But the things they did to help make him comfortable and safe in those 17 days absolutely blew my mind - the staff, the facilities, the way that all our family could sit in the lounge and spend time with Steve at a suitable time.
“Staff put on a beautiful afternoon tea for my mum and Steve’s anniversary in The Orangery.
“He could spend time outside in the lovely gardens when he felt up to it.
“He also found out that he was going to be a grandad for the fourth time in there.
“Making Steve feel that comfortable meant the world to our family and we will share our experience with others in the hope they don’t fear it the way I did before.
“We all feel privileged that Steve spent the end of his life in Barnsley Hospice.”
They raised £5,170, with Kelly saying she’d have been ‘over the moon’ with only £1,000.
Vicky Stead, community relationship manager at Barnsley Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to receive such a fantastic amount of money in memory of Steve.
“We are so proud to have given Steve and his family the best care and support possible and Kelly and the family should take great comfort knowing that the money raised will help us deliver the same care and support for other Barnsley people and their loved ones.”
