Brave ‘soles’ challenged to take on Fundraising Firewalk
St Elizabeth Hospice is calling on all brave ‘soles’ to take part in its autumn Firewalk 2023.
Taking place on Friday 29th September the event will see fearless fire walkers cross barefoot over a 15ft path of red-hot embers in aid of the hospice, which provides free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
Taking place at Ipswich Rugby Club, participants will undergo one hour of training before embarking on their fiery challenge which is described as similar to walking on hot sand.
James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at the hospice, said: “Firewalk is returning once more for 2023, providing the ideal fundraising challenge to warm up before the cooler autumn months, while supporting St Elizabeth Hospice.
“So if you fancy a fundraising challenge with a fiery difference, this event is definitely for you. Every penny raised really will make a difference to patients, and their families, under our care and will help the hospice expand its services to support more people across the region who need our vital services.”
Sponsored, once again by Escape Ipswich, there will be two Firewalk sessions held on 29th September, between 3.30pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9.30pm. Ipswich Rugby Club will be selling a range of BBQ food, with vegetarian options available, and drink at the event for participants, friends and family to enjoy, with spectators having free entry.
Two brave ‘soles’ participating in this year’s Firewalk are St Elizabeth Hospice Inpatient Unit Team Leaders Kelly Irodenko and Rachel Wheeler. Rachel said: “I am looking forward to taking on the Firewalk this September for the hospice. It really is a unique challenge and something I have never done before and it is great that the whole event will be raising vital funds for the hospice.
“Every year our nursing team is amazed and extremely grateful for the brilliant support we receive from the local community, which helps us deliver our services but also develop our care so we can support more patients and their families across the region.
“Each penny raised makes such a difference and I am excited to have this opportunity to fundraise alongside hospice supporters at Firewalk 2023, which I am sure will be a fantastic event.”
Kelly added: “I have chosen to do the Firewalk because it is something a bit different and will challenge me mentally. I feel a mixture of both excitement and a little nervous, however I feel privileged to be able to take part in this event for the hospice.
“Having worked in both the hospice’s Community and Inpatient Unit teams I have been able to see the great impact we make on patients and families and this would not be possible without the support of the local community, at events such as Firewalk, helping us raise the funds to deliver our services.”
Each fearless fire walker will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £25 and pledge to raise a minimum of £100, with support available from the hospice fundraising team. They will also receive a t-shirt and medal for completing the challenge, as well as a burger or hotdog during their session.
There is a free car park at the venue with accessible spaces. The venue is all on one level.
To register for St Elizabeth Hospice’s Firewalk 2023 visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/event/firewalk-2023
