Coronation Street actress runs for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in memory of auntie

The Coronation Street star has already raised £1,000 in sponsorship for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in central London. Held on Sunday 13^th October, the run spans 13.1 miles.

Kimberly, 37, was inspired to compete after seeing the dedication of staff in caring for her beloved late auntie. Patricia ‘Pat’ Walker lost her life to cancer in March, and her husband, David, was also cared for by the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice Team.

Now Kimberly, who played Nicky Wheatley in the ITV soap, wants to give back to the Oldham community. As less than a third of the Hospice’s income is funded by the NHS, she is inviting people to help by donating or fundraising themselves.

Kimberly said: “The staff and volunteers at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice are incredible, and so welcoming. I wanted to do something that honoured my auntie whilst saying thank you to Dr Kershaw’s for all they do across Oldham. The at-home care allowed us the capacity to say our goodbyes on her terms, surrounded with love, memories and comfort. I was nervous about visiting the hospice for the first time but it’s a bright, warm, hopeful and caring space.”

Alongside Kimberly’s busy filming schedule, she is training for the upcoming half marathon. Kimberly said: “I’ve never even ran 5K before this, so it’s a real couch-to-half-marathon story! Most people work their way up, but I’ve gone straight for it. I want to raise as much as possible.”

The former Oldham College student is determined to help people from all backgrounds to receive treatment.

Kimberly explained: “Oldham goes through a lot as a town. It’s about making sure that we give back to the community and people feel like they belong. The people of Oldham matter, and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice shows that in abundance.”

Rachel Riley, Community and Partnerships Coordinator at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, added: “We’re so grateful for Kimberly’s support as we rely heavily on our amazing donors and fundraisers to provide our services. We’re here not only for our patients, but their families too. As someone whose mother-in-law received care at the Hospice, I can honestly say that we are lucky to have somewhere like this in Oldham. From the nurses to the cleaners, gardeners and volunteers, we all pull together to serve the community.”