Night Walk is the region’s biggest night walk, raising money for Dove House Hospice through completing a 7.5 mile circular route through Hull city centre.  This year, Richard 'Fred' Frearson, OH 1981-91 took part in memory of his dad, Robin Frearson, OH 1948-56, who was looked after by the team at Dove House in 2020.

After seeing the great work that Dove House Hospice do, Richard has since embarked on helping to fundraise for the charity, to help local people with a life limiting illness.

Like many friends and family who experience the kind and compassionate care at Dove House Hospice, I've tried to do my bit to say thanks in the years that followed and in memory of my Dad.  Like all UK hospices, Dove House receives a minimal amount of state funding and this would be a good opportunity to say many of the different ways Old Hymerians can support our local hospice which needs to raise the vast majority of its own funds to continue to be there for people in need.

This might be through big fundraising events like the Night Walk, regular or one off donations, taking part in the weekly lottery, volunteering, leaving a gift in a will, memory/seasonal events etc. (visit Support Us - Dove House Hospice). It is worth a special mention for the 34 Dove House Shops across Hull and East Riding, as well as the one on EBay, as incredibly these bring in around half the funds for running costs.

Lastly, a personal recommendation from me for anyone wanting to better understand a host of issues related to death and dying. Dr Kathryn Mannix is a former colleague of mine in Newcastle who found herself embarking on a national media campaign, including writing two best-selling books after talking to David Schneider in 2015 on Radio 4: BBC Radio 4 - One to One: David Schneider talks to palliative care consultant Kathryn Mannix. It's only 15 minutes and a great start to finding out things you hadn't dared or got around to asking about. The famous phrase, "nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but a lesser known saying from him is "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

If you would like to support Richard in his fundraising, please visit his Just Giving Fundraising page.

Related Article:

• Richard's Walk for Dove House Hospice