Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Barefoot on hot coals? You sure?
Many of the challenges taken on in aid of the Pilgrims Hospices involve physical effort.
But supporters faced more of a test of nerve for the latest fundraiser at the University of Kent on Monday night.
Because although they only had to travel a few yards – it involved walking barefoot over burning 800C embers.
The Fire Walk is a new addition to the charity’s events calendar and despite the scary prospect, almost 80 people, including Gazette editor Leo Whitlock, lined up to have a go.
It resulted in a sizzling £14,000 being raised, which will pay for 1,500 hours of specialist nursing care.
Before they trod the coals, entrants were given a talk and reassurances on how to conquer their fears by motivational speaker and firewalking expert Cliff Mann.
The scene was set with the help of fire breather Paul Incredible, otherwise known as Paul Tann from Canterbury, which added some excitement to the occasion – though probably did little to ease the participants’ nerves.
But he had a special reason to offer his services.
He said: “The hospice looked after my dad during his last days. They made things bearable during an emotional time and are very special people.
“They looked after us as a family too. I went in to see him every day and when I broke down the nurses scooped me up and helped me with their kind and reassuring words. They are beautiful people.”
Among the firewalkers was Robert Brady, from Canterbury, who spent weeks preparing to take the daring dash and collecting as much sponsorship as he could.
He has already raised more than £660 for the hospice and is still counting.
He said: “I took part in the firewalk in memory of my nan, who spent her final days with the hospice while I was young.”
Jinee Patel, who ironically works in risk management, was another participant.
“I’m elated,” she said. “I was so nervous but it’s an amazing feeling now to know you can do it.
“You wouldn’t believe it’s so hot. It doesn’t quite feel real except that you can see the temperature gauge.”
The team at Kent Sport provided the venue free of charge and the event was sponsored by the Keith and Susan Rawlings
Charitable Trust.
Pilgrims event organiser Robert Grew, who also took part, said: “The atmosphere was incredible with so much excitement in the air.
“Even those who were nervous to start with soon overcame their fear after the fantastic training seminar.” The next fundraiser for the hospice is the family Rainbow Ride and Stride and Cycle Challenge along the Great Stour Way on March 13.
For more information visit www. pilgrimshospices. org