A devoted nurse and mother-of-three tragically passed away while getting ready for a night out with friends in Liverpool.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
Karen Andrews, 52, died from a brain aneurysm on Remembrance Sunday in 2018. Her son, Jake Keogh, 29, from Woodchurch, recalled that his mum had been in high spirits just hours before her sudden death.
Jake shared his final memories with his mother: "The last time I saw her was around 2pm that Sunday. She was going out to Liverpool with friends that evening. I returned from a walk two hours later and found her lying on her bed." A post-mortem examination later revealed she had suffered a bleed on the brain. "In a way, it comforts me to know she went quickly and without suffering," Jake added.
Honouring a Dedicated Nurse
Karen had dedicated approximately two decades of her life to nursing, serving as a sister on the M1 ward at Clatterbridge Hospital. Her colleagues held her in such high esteem that they honoured her with a memorial plaque and photograph on the ward.
"All the nurses stood in a huge guard of honour for her at her funeral," Jake remembered. He described his mother as a special person, noting her wonderful sense of humour and generous nature. "She was funny, caring, and generous. She'd give you the last penny if she thought you needed it."
A Son's Gruelling Tribute
To process his grief and honour his mother's memory, Jake conceived a poignant challenge: a walk lasting 52 hours, symbolising each year of Karen's life.
The walk began at 12:15pm on Friday, November 7, and concluded at 5:15pm on Sunday, November 11—the precise time, seven years earlier, when he had discovered his mother. He described the route as being deliberately and meaningfully planned.
"Losing my mum was hard, and it still is, but I wanted to turn something awful into something positive," Jake explained. He walked almost continuously, pausing only for brief rests, to eat, or to use the toilet. After just 13 hours, he was struck with severe knee pain that persisted for the remaining 39 hours. Despite the immense physical challenge, he never considered quitting.
"When I saw the sunrise, I knew I was nearly done," he said. "Reaching the finish line and seeing 50 to 60 people waiting with a banner was the best moment of my life."
Breaking the Stigma on Men's Mental Health
As the youngest of three brothers—Karl and Zacc—with a stepsister named Hayley, Jake also aimed to use his powerful tribute to address the stigma surrounding men's mental health.
He spoke openly about his own struggles, stating, "After losing my mum, I was in a really bad place. Being open about my grief and receiving support from friends and strangers reminded me that people care about your story more than you think." His fundraiser serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to speak out and seek support.
