Remembering Karl
In 2022, Karl was admitted to the family’s local hospital after he became unwell. Karl was later transferred to St Bartholomew’s Hosptial in 2023 for specialist care and a heart operation. Despite initially responding well to antibiotics following his diagnosis, the infection that had deteriorated his heart valve had spread.
Sadly, Karl passed away in May 2023 leaving behind his wife Janet and daughter Ruby, who are fundraising in his memory.
“Despite the hard work of the doctors and nurses in ICU, there was nothing they could do to prevent the sepsis. The last time I saw him conscious, he told me he loved me and to text him to let him know I got home safely. I spent the next three weeks telling him I loved him and hoping that he could hear me,” recounts Janet on her last moments with Karl.
“Karl was the life and soul of our family. The joker and the support. He was always ready to give the advice you needed and make sure that you could be the best you. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but we are raising money in his memory to help support St Bartholomew’s and all the fantastic work they do,” shared Janet.Janet, Hike for Health Fundraiser
A walking duo
Janet is no stranger when it comes to fundraising. After walking an overnight marathon in London in 2021, Janet was hooked. She went on to complete a staggering 14 waking events in 2022, participating in everything from marathons to 100km events in aid of Cancer Research UK.
With more events planned in 2023, Janet was forced to pull out when Karl was admitted to hospital. However, Ruby is helping Janet keep up her passion for walking. Together they enjoy long walks where they can chat without distraction from the outside world. The pair would walk every weekend to visit Karl in their local hospital before he was transfered to St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Mother-daughter duo Janet and Ruby training for Hike for Health
Janet and Ruby Hike for Health
Now the mother-daughter duo have set their sights on taking on Hike for Health on Sunday 1 October and this time, they are fundraising for us. Hike for Health is our brand new East London urban hiking event. Funds raised through the event will help transform healthcare for our community. Looking to honour Karl’s memory and being able to walk together at a family friendly event is very special to Janet.
The family is devastated about Karl’s passing and though his absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family, they want to give back and say thanks to the hospital staff who had cared for Karl. Spotting the Hike for Health leaflets, they knew they had to take part.
“While 15km may not be a big distance for me, it certainly will be for my daughter, who is only 11 and leading this event – I’m here to support her.” Janet praises daughter Ruby for taking part in Hike for Health.
In the lead up to Hike for Health, Janet and Ruby are undertaking training walks over the summer. Janet’s generous spirit is shining throughout the process. She’s taking learnings from her previous events on how to help out the course participants by bringing plasters, sweets and a few sage words of encouragement for other participants.
“My Dad was looked after by the amazing team at St Bartholomews Hospital in April and May 2023. He had the best care we could have wished for and we are beyond grateful to all the staff. Dad was the life and soul of our family. He made terrible jokes that made me laugh and sneakily gave me biscuits when mum wasn't looking...I will miss him and he won't be around to see me live my life to the fullest...I will be walking as far as I can with my Mum to raise as much money as possible in his memory.Ruby, Karl's daughter and Hike for Health Fundraiser
Ruby on a training walk for Hike for Health
Join the Hike for Health
We are immensely grateful to Janet and Ruby for taking part in Hike for Health, and for sharing their family’s story.
You can join them walking and exploring East London on Sunday 1 October 2023.
By taking on Hike for Health, you’ll be supporting life-changing improvements to healthcare for patients in East London. Come together with friends, family or colleagues and you’ll be part of the historic 900th anniversary celebrations of St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Under 16’s register and take part for free if accompanied with a parent or guardian. Don’t forget to apply our code NHS50 at checkout for our summer discount – 50% off registration fees.