Fearless fundraisers walked across hot embers in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care.
Between them, the 55 participants who braved our first firewalk challenge raised over £10,000 in sponsorship, with more still being collected.
Among those taking part in the event at our Taunton hospice on Thursday, March 5, was Gem Whitmarsh, who raised over £150 in memory of her mum, Amy Shrimpton, who was cared for by St Margaret’s.
She said: “I loved doing the firewalk - there was a brilliant atmosphere. I wanted to do something to support St Margaret’s in memory of my mum, who passed away last October after a long battle with cancer.
“The care she received from St Margaret’s was amazing, not just for her but for her family and friends too. The staff and volunteers at the hospice weren’t just carers – they were like extended family.”
Pauline Date, who raised £450 in sponsorship, commented: “This was one of the best things I have done – a fantastic night.”
Also braving the firewalk were a team from event sponsors Walpole Dunn chartered accountants, who raised over £800 in sponsorship.
Director Tony Dunn said: “The firewalk was a fantastic evening of entertainment and it was great to be involved as both a sponsor and participant. I’m sure the spectators enjoyed watching six accountants brave the hot coals!
“So far, the event has raised over £10,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice Care, which has been doing fantastic work at the heart of Somerset’s community for 40 years, delivering high quality, responsive and compassionate care to patients and their families.
“Thank you to UK Firewalk for ensuring everyone left the event with all feet and toes intact and all of the staff at St Margaret’s who assisted with running the event.”
Spectacular entertainment was provided by fire jugglers from Fuse Somerset Outdoor Arts.
Sonia Bateman, events fundraiser at St Margaret’s, said: “We would like to thank all our amazing firewalkers, as well as everyone who sponsored them or came to cheer them on.
“Most people enjoyed fire-walking so much they did it more than once. We’re grateful to our event sponsors Walpole Dunn and UK Firewalk for helping to make it such a fun evening for everyone.”
We have a variety of other fundraising events planned as St Margaret's marks its 40th anniversary this year, including the Great Somerset Cycle on Sunday, March 29. Details can be found at www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/eventcalendar.