‘It’s made me a better doctor’ - Exeter consultant joins firewalk for Hospiscare

A hospice doctor who has spent more than two decades caring for patients in Exeter and East Devon is preparing to take part in a fundraising firewalk, after experiencing the charity’s services firsthand during her father’s illness.

Dr Becky Baines has worked at Hospiscare for 23 years, starting as a registrar before becoming a consultant in 2005.

“I’ve grown up with Hospiscare, really!” she said. 

Becky works on the specialist ward in Exeter and also visits patients in the community. She trains the next generation of doctors, providing education and support to medical students.

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Last year, she experienced the charity’s care firsthand when her father was admitted to the specialist ward. She described the support her family received as “incredible,” helping them care for her father at home and ensuring he passed away peacefully.

Dr Baines said the experience gave her new insight into the service she has long worked for, describing it as “life changing.”

“Dad spent a week on the ward and everyone was incredible,” she said. “He had some real pampering time and our whole family was supported. Thanks to Hospiscare, we were able to get him home, and he died very peacefully with us all around him.”

The experience, she said, gave her a new perspective on her work.

“It was such an amazing privilege to be on the receiving end of that care. It’s made me a better doctor, a better human, and a better colleague.”

Last year, she and her brother marked what would have been their father’s 88th birthday by taking part in the first Hospiscare Firewalk, raising £1,440 for the charity.

Hospiscare, which provides end-of-life care across Exeter, central and East Devon, receives 24 per cent of its funding from the government and relies on fundraising and donations to cover the remainder of its costs.

The charity operates four sites (Searle House in Exeter, Kings House in Honiton, Holly Tree Place in Tiverton, and High View in Exmouth) and also delivers care in patients’ homes and communities.

Founded in 1982 by Dr John Searle, Hospiscare began as a small team caring within a one-mile radius of Exeter Cathedral.

Growing demand led to the opening of Searle House in 1992 to provide a dedicated hospice ward.

This year’s Firewalk takes place on Thursday, 23 October in the grounds of Bicton College.

The event is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Registration costs £30 with a suggested fundraising target of £200, or £60 without additional sponsorship.

Dr Baines said the sense of achievement made the fear worthwhile: “You go from feeling terrified at the beginning of the evening to thinking, yeah, I can do this. And I didn’t just do it once – I did it twice!”

According to Hospiscare, fewer than 30 per cent of spaces remain.