Exeter fundraisers brave the flames to raise over £20,000 for Hospiscare

Eighty brave fundraisers took on a fiery challenge last week, walking barefoot across burning coals to raise more than £20,000 for Hospiscare, the local hospice charity that supports patients and families across Exeter, central and east Devon.

The Hospiscare Firewalk, held on Thursday, 23 October, returned for its second year, this time in a new setting at Bicton College. The event drew participants from across Devon, all united in their goal to support the charity’s vital end-of-life care services.

So far, the fundraiser has brought in £20,121, with donations still coming in. Hospiscare cares for more than 2,200 patients every year but receives only 24 per cent of its funding from the government, relying heavily on community donations to meet its £10 million annual target.

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Among those who stepped up and onto the hot coals was David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, who praised the charity’s impact across the region. 

David said: “Having spoken to so many people across Devon and seen the difference Hospiscare makes to families, I was inspired to take part. I did feel slightly nervous before walking over the coals, but the staff were brilliant. We were able to go out, conquer it, and feel really good afterwards.”

Several Hospiscare staff also joined the challenge, including Interim Chief Executive Wayne Gale, rapid response nurse Jo Jones, and housekeeper Arthur Cristales, who was recently recognised with a High Sheriff Award for his dedication to the charity.

Hospiscare’s Senior Events Fundraiser, Martin Stokke, thanked everyone who helped make the night a success: “A huge thank you to everyone who came together to raise over £20,000 for our patients and their families,” he said. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to Bicton College and the Rapid Relief Team for donating the venue and food, to our wonderful firewalkers and their supporters, and to our volunteers whose hard work made the event possible.”

The funds raised will go directly towards helping Hospiscare provide compassionate care and support to patients facing terminal illness, and their families, across Exeter and beyond.