Ten years ago, Bev Shaw made the move from a 25 years corporate banking career to join The Kirkwood, driven by a passion for fundraising and a desire to make a difference within my local community.
Bev joined The Kirkwood as the Fundraising Manager. Where she led and motivated a small teams while overseeing community fundraising, events, lottery operations, trust and foundation applications, and business development activities. She says “It was an exciting time, and together we achieved significant growth in income and engagement”.
One of Bev’s highlights was seeing The Kirkwood flagship Midnight Memory Walk grow to welcome around 1,400 walkers, raising more than £178,000 at its peak. She says “The event perfectly demonstrated the strength, generosity, and compassion of our local community”.
Just over three years ago, Bev moved into the role of Business Development Manager at The Kirkwood, where she had the privilege of developing and strengthening relationships with the local business community.
Today, the Kirkwood Business Movement has grown to almost 130 member businesses, creating a thriving network built on collaboration, shared values and a commitment to supporting local causes and local businesses wherever possible.
Bev Shaw says “Whilst I am proud of the fundraising achievements and business growth we’ve seen during my time here, what makes me most proud is the impact The Kirkwood has on the lives of people across Kirklees”.
She continues by saying “The care provided by The Kirkwood is truly outstanding, not just in my opinion, but in the words of the many patients and families we support each year”. Raising awareness of the services provided by The Kirkwood and the difference they make locally remains incredibly important. Whether it’s helping people understand that they can self-refer following a life-limiting illness diagnosis, or ensuring families know support is available when they need it most, every conversation matters.
Over the past decade, Bev says that she has been privileged to see The Kirkwood double the number of people supported across Kirklees, extending their reach and helping more local families than ever before.
“For me, this mission is also deeply personal” Bev added.
In January 2021, Bev’s dad received care on The Kirkwood In-Patient Unit before passing away, and in February 2026 her mum was supported by their Virtual Hospice Service.
Experiencing The Kirkwood’s care not only as an employee, but as a family member, gave her an even greater appreciation of the compassion, dignity and support the team at The Kirkwood provide every single day.
Bev goes on to say “Looking back over the last ten years, I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside dedicated colleagues, volunteers, supporters, and business partners who all play a part in making The Kirkwood such a special organisation”.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey so far. I remain as passionate Today as I was on my first day about raising awareness, building meaningful connections, supporting our local community, and helping ensure The Kirkwood can continue to be there for those who need us most.”
💙 Ten years of purpose, partnerships, fundraising, friendships and making a difference. Here’s to the next chapter!
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