A close-knit group of friends has completed an annual walk to raise funds for the Leeds-based hospice that cared for their friend at the end of his life.
The group of nine took part in the six-mile walk in memory of Jason Salvin, who was cared for in his final days by nurses at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley.
Jason was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and died in November 2020, aged just 48. Inspired to do something in his memory and to raise money for the hospice who cared for him, his friends organised their first memory walk in 2021.
Close friend, John Bell, explained: “This is the third year we’ve walked in memory of Jason.
“I first met Jason when I was 11. My core group of friends all met through the Boys’ Brigade, and as we grew older, we remained a really close-knit group, like a band of brothers. Jason was whole-heartedly a part of that and we miss him terribly.
“Sue Ryder Wheatfield’s Hospice provided amazing support and care for Jason. That’s what really hit home for me – it wasn’t just six weeks’ worth of care and then that’s it. It was far longer than that. He was engaged with the team at the hospice for weeks before becoming an inpatient towards the end.
“The hospice also supported his wife and children with bereavement counselling after his passing.”
As with previous years, the memory walk started in Rodley and followed the canal into Leeds City Centre, finishing at The White Swan pub.
John continued: “It was a glorious day. Every year without fail the sun comes out for us – it feels like it’s meant to be! Everyone was thrilled to come together, chatting away and remembering Jason. We always finish at The White Swan and raise a glass in his honour.
“We’re thrilled to have raised over £1300 so far, with more funds in the pipeline. Jason was a guy who loved his family and friends; I think he’d be massively pleased to know that everyone wants to give back in his name.”
Clare Humphreys, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to John and the team for organising such a fantastic memory walk in support of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. We’re so lucky to have such wonderful supporters. The money raised means we can keep supporting people at the most difficult times of their life.”