Heartbreak to hope: grieving family sign up for London Ambulance Charity walk

A daughter has signed up her family to take part in the London Life Hike at the weekend in memory of her beloved father.

Kayleigh Parkinson’s dad Paul died suddenly at just 58-years-old.

She said: “It was horrific, it was such a shock. He hadn’t come up to bed one evening and my mum found him.

“The paramedics from London Ambulance Service were amazing. When they arrived, there was nothing they could do for my dad but they kept us calm in that terrible time.

“I was my dad’s only child and he did everything for me growing up. We were so close and I miss him every single day.

“This would have been his birthday week and as we can’t give him presents, our gift is going to be taking part in the London Life Hike in his memory.”

The challenge will be particularly poignant for the family because Paul died of heart disease and the London Life Hike aims to improve outcomes for those in cardiac arrest.

The walk takes place this Saturday (27 September) and every penny raised will go towards installing life-saving defibrillators across the capital and training people in how to save a life.

When someone goes into cardiac arrest, chest compressions – or CPR – can keep the blood pumping to the brain and other vital organs in the minutes before an ambulance arrives. A defibrillator can restore a heart’s normal rhythm.

Kayleigh said: “It really means a lot to know that we may save another family going through the pain we have now.

“Dad was someone who always put everyone before himself and he would be so proud of us – supporting the London Ambulance Charity; saying thank you to those paramedics who came to us; and doing something for our community.”

Paul had worked in finance for the NHS for 40 years before he collapsed in 2020. He lived to see his daughter get married – just six months before his death.

Kayleigh will be joined on the charity walk by her husband, her mum and an uncle, aunt and a cousin.

The London Life Hike starts at Southwark Park Bandstand and participants can choose to complete a 6km or a 21km walk through London, with scenic views on both routes.

Jess Burgess, Head of the London Ambulance Charity, said:

“Kayleigh is so inspiring – she is using her own heartbreak to help others. Every step she and her family take will bring lifesaving defibrillators into communities where they are needed most – and that could mean the difference between life and death for someone’s loved one.”

People can support Kayleigh through her JustGiving page.

Join the London Life Hike on Saturday 27 September. Sign up here or turn up on the day at Southwark Park Bandstand.

As well as the walk, there will be a kids’ activity zone, food trucks, exhibits from the Historic Collection and demonstrations in how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator.

The event sponsor Mazuma ensure that all the money raised from the London Life Hike will go towards improving health outcomes for our communities.