Brave firewalkers hotfoot it to help hospice fundraiser

Dedicated supporters are literally prepared to walk barefoot across burning embers for the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury.

And dozens did just that at a firewalk at the University of Kent on Friday, together raising at least £18,000.

It is the second east Kent hotfoot challenge organised by the charity following the success of last year’s events.

And again there was no shortage of volunteers, with 80 lining up to face the flaming footpath.

Among them was firefighter Mark Jones, who teamed up with double amputee Amy Morris for a unique combined effort.

Mum-of-two Amy lost her legs when she was struck down with meningitis aged 17 and wasn’t going to risk her prosthetic limbs melting.

So it was down to Mark, who is station manager at Canterbury, to carry her across the 800-degree embers.

Afterwards, Amy, 34, who lives in Sturry and volunteers at the hospice, said: “I was a little bit nervous before the challenge, especially for Mark because he’s the one on the coals.

“When it came to our turn, it really got the adrenaline going but I felt really safe with Mark. I was mainly worried about trying not to throw him off balance.

“But it’s a great feeling to have done it and knowing we have raised much-needed funds for the hospice.”

Mark added: “I’ve been a firefighter in Kent for 20 years and the role is diverse to say the least, but this was a first. I’ve been excited and nervous looking forward to the day and it’s an unbelievable feeling to achieve it.

“So far I’ve managed to raise £1,000 in sponsorship, which is brilliant, and I’ll be splitting it between the hospice and the Firefighters Charity.”

Katie Sands crossed the coals on her 30th birthday and described it as an amazing experience.

Before the challenge got underway, the participants were prepared by motivational speaker and firewalk expert Cliff Mann.

Hundreds of spectators also gathered to watch the challenge and, together with the participants, were entertained by fire juggler Paul Incredible.

They were also given words of encouragement by Lord Mayor Cllr George Metcalfe, who said he admired their bravery.

The firewalk at Canterbury was one of four organised in east Kent by the charity, which hopes to beat last year’s total of £50,000.

For more information go to www.pilgrimshospices.org

Firefighter Mark Jones carries Amy Morris across the embers

Paul Incredible plays with fire, Claire Curtis, Isabella Brobbey, Christine Laming and Katie Sands with their firewalk certificates and right, Lord Mayor George Metcalfe gives the participants some words of encouragement

Spectators gather around the fiery footpath