Brave ‘soles’ raise over £10,000 for hospice
More than twenty-five brave fire walkers have raised over £10,000 by taking part in St Elizabeth Hospice’s Firewalk 2022.
Taking place on Saturday 22nd October the event saw 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.
Firewalk 2022 was held at Venue 16 (formerly Greshams), with participants undergoing one hour of training before embarking on their fiery challenge, which is described as similar to walking on hot sand.
Nichola Whymark, Head of Partnership Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “A massive well done and thank you to all our fantastic fire walkers! They all did brilliantly and it was so nice to be alongside our supporters as we raised funds for the hospice and enjoyed some Halloween fun too.
“Community support is vital for developing our services and every penny raised really will make a difference as we expand our care to support more patients, and their families, through difficult times in their lives.”
Sponsored by Escape Ipswich, Firewalk also featured a wide range of drink and street food – including chilli, burgers, fish & chips – for participants, friends and family to enjoy.
One brave ‘sole’ taking part in this year’s Firewalk was St Elizabeth Hospice nurse, Jo Shaw, who said: “I was a little bit apprehensive, as I was unsure what to expect, but it was great fun, a brilliant challenge to take on, while raising money for the hospice at the same time.
“I have worked for the hospice for 11 years and every time you come to hospice events like this and you see the brilliant support from the local community, it means so much.
“We had a fantastic atmosphere here tonight and the walk itself wasn’t painful, just made your feet feel fuzzy really and I feel really proud to have done this. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, it is amazing and I am so pleased to raise nearly £1,500 for the hospice.”
