Three sisters from Harrogate are set to take part in the Midnight Glow Walk in memory of their beloved mum.
The event returns on 13th September, raising funds to support Saint Michael’s Hospice, which provides free, expert palliative care to people living with terminal illness and their families across the Harrogate district.
69-year-old Jan Gallagher-Cobb died at Saint Michael’s Hospice in March.
And in her memory, Beth Moody and her sisters Gemma and Hannah will walk to raise funds for the hospice that cared for Jan in her final days.
The sisters will be joined by cousins Julia and Kelly in what will be the family’s first time taking part in the event.
Beth said:
“For us, every step is both a tribute and a thank you. Saint Michael’s gave our mum peace in her final days.
“This is our way of giving something back for her.”
Jan spent her final days at the hospice surrounded by her family, including her husband Ray, her children, and her two Lhasa Apsos, Keithy and Holly.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and entered remission, but in October 2024 was told her cancer had returned and would require palliative care.
Beth said:
“She didn’t want our home to be full of sadness. She wanted us to remember it as a place full of life and love.”
Jan, a devoted Christian, was known for her kindness and creativity, including organising bingo nights and fish and chip suppers at the care home where she worked.
Beth added:
“She touched so many lives. Her family travelled from across the country to say goodbye.
“That says everything about who she was. She was incredibly loved and I’m so proud of her.”
When doctors warned that Jan might not survive the journey from Harrogate Hospital to the hospice, she remained determined to go:
“That was Mum. Once she’d made her mind up, that was it. You did what you were told.”
Beth described the hospice as a peaceful and private place where the family received personalised care:
“It felt like we were the only ones there. That personalised care meant everything.
“The staff were amazing – so kind and respectful. The care was incredible.”
Saint Michael’s has supported the family before, including during the final days of Jan’s sister Christine and mother-in-law Gladys.
Beth said the walk is not only a memorial but a way to support future hospice services:
“I saw news about how underfunded hospices are, and it really struck me.
“After everything Saint Michael’s did for us, I wanted to help make sure other families can have the same support. If you are thinking of doing the walk – please do.
“You’re helping to protect something truly valuable. Mum would’ve been so anxious without Saint Michael’s. It made all the difference.”
The family has set up a tribute page in Jan’s memory to raise funds for the hospice’s work. Donations can be made at: https://jangallagher-cobb.muchloved.com/.
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