Carnforth chiropodist honours her late husband with clinic fundraiser

A chiropodist from Carnforth has paid tribute to her late husband and helped raise money for charity at a special 'clinic-warming' event.

Carol Sedgwick’s world was devastated when her husband Ian died of stomach and oesophageal cancer in 2023.

Like many families, Carol and her teenage sons found strength through the support, care and counselling from local charities.

And a recent 'housewarming' for her renovated home clinic turned into a vibrant fundraising event celebrating Ian’s life.

“You have to find ways to carry on, one step at a time,” said Carol, who reduced her working hours to make sure she was there for her sons, James and Joe, aged 16 and 15 when Ian died.

Ian Sedgwick

“St. John’s Hospice were amazing, especially the Forget Me Not Centre, which provides a safe, compassionate environment for families during care and bereavement.

"Lancaster CancerCare’s counselling and signposting services were also invaluable. Through them I found John Woodward’s Alexander Technique therapy, which really helped me find ease and equilibrium from the physical and mental stresses my body and mind were under.”

Qualified chiropodist Carol focussed on a big project: upgrading her Carnforth home clinic into a fully accessible, modern treatment centre.

Below, Carol at work.

“It was James and Joe who realised the date we’d chosen coincided with the anniversary of Ian's death, and they said: why don’t we turn it into a celebration of his memory which can raise some money for these amazing local charities?” she said.

Around 65 friends, family and clients attended the party last weekend, sharing stories, memories and photographs, as well as admiring Carol’s new clinic facilities, where she practices three days a week.

Carol with her son James, Trin (his partner), family friend Seth and Esther (Carol’s niece)

The fundraising, through donations and a raffle, hasn’t stopped there.

“People have been so generous,” she said.

“Hearing about it, clients have continued adding to the fund; I’ve even had local people popping in with envelopes!

"We’re currently at £635 to divide between St John’s Hospice and CancerCare.

"I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family and of course, Susan – my right hand woman at the clinic.

"We all miss Ian every single day, but we’re turning our love and loss into positive steps, just as he’d have wanted.”