Memorial Walk Honours Anne Barks and Dr Alison Brind

In September, a team of colleagues and friends came together to organise a memorial walk in memory of Anne Barks and Dr Alison Brind, who both sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer.

The idea for the event came from Anne’s husband, Clive, who wanted to raise awareness of the disease and celebrate the lives of Anne and Alison. Clive met with Anne’s colleagues Paul Broad, Julie O’Leary, members of the HPB CNS team, and Sarah O’Reilly to plan the event.

Both Anne and Alison were passionate walkers, so a walk from Royal Stoke University Hospital to County Hospital in Stafford felt like the perfect tribute.

On the day, 20 walkers - and a few dogs - set off from Royal Stoke. Along the route, they handed out pancreatic cancer symptom awareness flyers and keyrings to members of the public, helping to spread an important message while remembering their friends.

The weather mostly held up, with just one brief downpour along the way. As the group reached Stafford, they were greeted by a rainbow - a fitting end to a heartfelt day.

The walkers finished at the Macmillan Information Centre at County Hospital, where the Macmillan team had decorated their office in welcome. Hot drinks and snacks were kindly provided by the Nightingale Restaurant, and ABC Supreme Taxis offered free return transport for the tired walkers.

It was a touching and uplifting day that brought colleagues, friends and family together to remember Anne and Alison - two much-loved members of the UHNM community who are deeply missed.

If you would like to fundraise for UHNM Charity, register your interest here: uhnmcharity.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us or call 01782 676444 to speak with a member of the UHNM Charity team.