On 6 September, 22 friends, family and colleagues – including her partner, Jon Richmond, and son, Charlie Graham – will take on the 1,085m ascent.
They aim to raise £4,000 for the Haematology Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), where Karen chose to receive her end-of-life care.
Karen had spoken of climbing Snowdon herself but was unable to. As a tribute, her loved ones will complete the challenge in her honour.
Jon, Karen’s partner of 18 years, said: “Karen was a very kind and generous person who was loved by many people.
“She had a very close-knit group of friends, and it’s no surprise to me that they’ve come together to do this in her memory.”
Affectionately known as ‘Kazza’, Karen dedicated 30 years to her role as a Maternity Support Worker at DRI, where she is remembered as a passionate and caring professional who ‘always gave 110%.’
Friend and Community Midwife, Zoe Greenall, said: “Her passion for her job was massive. She only ever saw the good in everyone.
“She worked many extra hours. Even on her final working day she was so happy to go that extra mile to support one of our ladies.”
Outside of work, Karen loved long walks with Jon and their eight-year-old beagle, Barney.
In May last year, Karen joined 23 colleagues to complete the gruelling 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, raising over £10,000 for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.
Zoe said: “Kazza was advised it wasn’t safe to hike to the peak but that wasn’t going to let that stop her.
“The courage and determination she showed was immense whilst still receiving treatment.”
Last summer, her 22-year-old son, Charlie, graduated from university, and Karen showed incredible strength to be there on his big day.
Zoe said: “Her pride and joy was her golden boy, Charlie. Kazza battled so hard through her treatment to ensure she was the proudest mum at his graduation.”
Now, the midwives will fulfil their promise to Karen and raise funds for the team who cared for her.
Zoe said: “We promised we would do this climb for her. In true Kazza style, she wasn’t going to let us get away with it and told all the staff we were completing it.
“The staff [on Ward 18] are all amazing. They go above and beyond not only for their patients but for the family and friends too, so Karen wanted to give something back.”
To support the community midwives fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/zoe-greenall-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015
About DBTH Charity:
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.
These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.
Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/