From grief to friendship: Glenn’s journey with St Luke’s

Nearly 10 years after losing his mum, Glenn Connolly is helping others receive the same care and support his family experienced at St Luke’s Hospice.

His mum, Kathleen, died in December 2016 after three years of cancer treatment. She spent her final four days at St Luke’s, where her sister-in-law Margaret had received care in 2002.

Kathleen, who worked in healthcare, had been so impressed by Margaret’s care that she wanted to come to St Luke’s herself if the time came.

When her condition deteriorated, a bed was found. “They looked after her so wonderfully well, with such good care, understanding and love” Glenn remembers.

He recalls worrying about his mum’s dignity and the responsibilities facing the family during those difficult final days. “It’s not just the care for Mum, it’s what they stopped me having to do.”

After Kathleen died, Glenn thought the grief he felt meant he would never return.

“I honestly thought I would never step foot back in this place,” he recalls.

But Glenn wanted to continue supporting St Luke’s. He initially took over his mum’s commitment to the hospice lottery before receiving an invitation to an Annual Walk fundraiser information evening in North Wembley.

The venue was at the end of his road, in the church hall where he had attended nursery. He decided to go along.

“I was greeted by so many brilliant people and I’ve never looked back. The best thing I ever did.”

That evening changed Glenn’s life. He made new friends and discovered a love of walking. Encouraged by fellow walkers, he progressed from short distances to major walking challenges.

Now many years since, Glenn helps organise activities and welcomes newcomers. The friendships have become an important part of his life.

For Glenn, it’s about more than fundraising. He wants others to experience the same welcome and support that helped him through a difficult time.

“If I can invite one person into this group the same way I was invited in, then I will do it forever more.”

His involvement has also brought together two passions: supporting St Luke’s and music.

A lifelong musician, Glenn joined by family and friends Paul and Emma Ryan and Helen Bromby to organise a traditional community music night in Kingsbury, raising funds for St Luke’s.

As the 10th anniversary of Kathleen’s death approaches, Glenn continues to honour her memory through walking, music and friendship, helping ensure other families receive the care and kindness that meant so much to his own.

Join Glenn and support St Luke’s

Annual Walk 2027: The next walk takes place in Lancashire. Come to the Information Evening on Wednesday 11 November at 7pm at Harrow District Masonic Centre, Kenton, to meet the walkers and find out more.
Find out more about the Annual Walk 2027.

Station 54 music night: Join Glenn and friends on Saturday 14 November, 7pm–11pm, at the Fr O’Callaghan Centre, 22 Hay Lane, Kingsbury, for live music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, a raffle and cash bar.
Tickets: £10 adults, £5 children. Email station54band@yahoo.com.