Eighty brave supporters have walked on hot coals to raise vital funds for Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for Exeter, central and east Devon.
The event has raised £20,121 to date, with donations still coming in.
The hospice cares for over 2,200 patients and their families every year but receives just 24% of its funding from the government, so must rely on its local community to raise the £10 million needed annually to fund its patient care.
David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, rose to the challenge and braved the blaze for Hospiscare. Speaking on the night, David said, “Having spoken to so many people across our part of Devon, and seeing the impact that Hospiscare has had on their families’ lives, as well as going to see Hospiscare and the staff in Exeter inspired me to get behind this charity.
“I did feel slightly nervous before walking over the coals, but the staff have been absolutely brilliant; they taught us exactly what to do and we were able to go out, conquer it, and feel really good after it.”
Also among the challengers were several Hospiscare staff members, including Interim Chief Executive, Wayne Gale; rapid response nurse, Jo Jones, and hospice housekeeper, Arthur Cristales, who was recently honoured with a High Sheriff award for his services to the charity.
David continued, “There will be points in our lives where our families will need care like the kind Hospiscare provides. Putting your hands in your pockets and raising money to ensure that this charity can survive and thrive and be there for our families in their time of need is so important.”
Hospiscare’s Senior Events Fundraiser, Martin Stokke, added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came together to raise over £20,000 for our patients and their families. We’re hugely grateful to Bicton College and the Rapid Relief Team for donating the venue and providing the food at the event, to our wonderful firewalkers and their donors, and to our amazing volunteers whose support and hard work made the event possible.”
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