Our Memory Walk is a special way for people to come together with family and friends to celebrate someone’s life. This year’s event takes place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Saturday 15 June 2024, with 2.5km or 10km routes.
Marie Fenney regularly takes part to remember her husband John, who she married while he was being cared for at the hospice.
Marie and John were already supporters of what was then Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, and had taken part in previous walks in memory of Marie’s Nanny Lawrence. When John reached the point where he needed end of life care, they were determined that he would receive it here.
Marie said: “When I was told there was nothing else that could be done for John, I knew I wanted him to have his final days being looked after at the hospice. He worked as a Community First Responder for West Midlands Ambulance Service and, as soon as there was a bed available, they sent a patient transport team to move him.
“Even within the first 10 minutes, the staff at the hospice did more for John than others had done in weeks; I was told to just be with him, and it was not down to me to be his nurse. They looked after us both so well. All of our friends and our six children – Billie, Josh, Sophie, Ryan, Harry and Kairi – could spend as much time with John as they needed, day or night. We got married just before he took his final breath.
“Birmingham Hospice did so much for us to make our day so special. So, I will continue to walk every year for what you all do.”
