Over £4,900 raised by Firewalk for St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice

More than 20 brave fire walkers have raised over £4,900 for St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice by participating in the charity’s Firewalk 2024.

Taking place on Friday 25 October, the event saw the fearless fire walkers cross barefoot over a 5 metre 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 Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Held at Old Hall Farm, in Southwold, participants underwent 45 minutes 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: “Congratulations to all our fire walkers for completing their challenges and raising such a brilliant sum for the hospice.

“It was a fantastic evening and every penny you raised will make a difference to the patients and families under our care, throughout Great Yarmouth & Waveney.”

Sponsored by drax, Firewalk was held on 25 October, between 7pm and 9.30pm. Among the firewalkers were St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer, Judi Newman, and Chair of the Board, Ian Turner. While Jessica Hayward also took part and lit the flames for the evening, raising funds for the charity which supported her Nanny, Christine Peek.

Judi Newman, said: “Having experienced my first Firewalk this evening, I am so grateful to everyone who braved the coals to raise funds for the hospice, some for the second year running. It was very moving to hear people share their personal stories of why they wanted to embark on such a challenge, motivated by gratitude to the hospice for care given to their loved ones.

“The experience itself was a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I appreciated the encouragement of my fellow walkers Chairman Ian Turner and colleagues Dr Abi Hensley and Kara Risborough from our wonderful St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice team.

“Many thanks to everyone who took part as a walker or a volunteer, to our kind hosts Old Hall Farm and to our sponsor drax.”

For more information about the hospice’s services in Great Yarmouth and Waveney visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/great-yarmouth_and-waveney.