Following the devastating loss of a dear friend and colleague, YMCA East Surrey marked the first anniversary of Kim Roderick’s death with a new event called Kim’s Walk. The five and ten mile routes wound through the Surrey countryside, starting and finishing at the YMCA Sports & Community Centre in Redhill.
Over 100 people turned out on Sunday 10 September to pay their respects to an inspiring and vibrant woman, celebrating her memory and sharing recollections of Kim who worked for YMCA East Surrey for 23 years and is missed by many. Among those to take part in the ten mile route were Kim’s children, Chelsea and Stephen.
Kim’s Walk has so far raised £1,600 from a mixture of sponsorship and donations.
Remembering Kim at the end of the walk, Penelope Horsfall, President of YMCA East Surrey, said:
“Kim did everything. She influenced everything. She knew everyone. If you wanted to know anything, Kim was the person to go to. Every conversation I had with her always ended with us roaring with laughter. She’ll live with me forever and I think she’ll live on with everyone here today, too.”
Chelsea Roderick paid tribute to her mother, who she described as ‘wonderful, witty and charismatic.’ She said:
“Although she’s not here with us physically, I’m going to ensure that her memory and spirit are kept alive forever. This walk today is exactly this in action and I cannot thank you all enough for that. It is so special.”
A barbecue awaited participants at the finish line and a new bench, which will be placed outside the YMCA Sports & Community Centre, was unveiled. It bears the inscription –
‘In memory of Kim Roderick
A shining light at the YMCA.’
Ian Burks, Chief Executive of YMCA East Surrey, who worked closely with Kim for many years said:
“Her hard work, humour and warm nature are missed every single day. I would like to thank everyone who joined us today and all the people who made Kim’s Walk possible. We will look forward to making this an annual event – and an opportunity to remember Kim with a smile.”
All funds raised will go towards the YMCA’s Life Change Fund, which was set up by Kim, to help transform young lives in East Surrey. Anyone wanting to donate can do so here: www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/get-involved/life-change-fund/
