Charity raises over £30K for end-of-life care

First time event was a sizzling success

Supporters from across Devon braved the blaze last week for their local hospice charity.

The sell-out event saw 80 people walk over hot coals in solidarity with patients and their families living with a terminal illness.

Hospiscare’s first ever Firewalk took place on 17 October at Winslade Park where participants were guided over hot coals by experienced Firewalk trainers.

More than 100 spectators cheering on family and friends in their efforts to conquer the coals and stunning displays from fire performers Samantha and Nerea, the event was a sizzling success, raising £31,567.86 for local end-of-life care. 

Iain Galston from Okehampton took part to support his wife. “We thought Hospiscare was somewhere you went for the end but now we know it isn’t just a place to die.

“My wife had a stay on the ward to get her pain under control and I was amazed at the place. I’ve never been to a hospice before and didn’t know what to expect – I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was. I can’t put into words the difference between her hospital stays and her stay at the hospice.

“Although my wife is the patient, I am also being supported by Mark, Hospiscare’s counsellor. Mark has kept me sane. He sits there and listens – he takes it all. I can sound off to him and he never judges me.

“People don’t understand what Hospiscare is here to do. It isn’t just a place where people come to die. I can’t thank the Hospiscare staff enough for all their support for me and Lesley, but I can help raise some desperately needed funds for them.”

Following the distressing news of the charity’s £2.5 million funding deficit, 10 Hospiscare staff members took part in the event to stand by the hospice’s patients and their families.

Hospiscare Doctor Becky Baines braved the blaze with her brother, Ed, in memory of their dad: “It was just the most fantastic experience, so much so that I did it twice!