A GROUP of Phyllis Tuckwell supporters were given a ‘baptism of fire’ last month in every sense of the word.

On Sunday, October 23, at Elvetham Hotel in Hartley Wintney, 37 brave folk took part in the hospice’s first ever Firewalk.

The charity’s newest fundraising event raised money to help fund the vital Hospice Care which local charity Phyllis Tuckwell provides for patients and families who are living with a terminal illness, such as cancer.

With sponsorship money still filtering through, Phyllis Tuckwell is hoping the total raised will reach £8,000, which could pay for around three months’ care from one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s specialist In-Patient Unit (IPU) palliative care nurses, who can look after up to five patients at a time on the IPU.

Before the walk, participants attended an informative and highly entertaining training seminar run by Cliff Mann, who is recognised as the most experienced firewalking instructor in the UK and Europe.

As well as teaching the participants skills and attitudes which will stay with them for life, the seminar also put those taking part at ease, by answering any questions to calm the fire-fuelled nerves, with Mr Mann relying on a number of humorous moments to lighten the mood.

The fundraisers were then taken outside to walk across the 15-20ft long fire lane, which was made up of a combination of red-hot pine, ash and oak embers, which had a core temperature of a smouldering 400-600°F.

Fiona Chapman, events fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell, who herself completed the firewalk, said: “We were thrilled with the success of this new event. There was a real sense of camaraderie among those who took part, and their families and friends who came along to support them.

“We would like to thank Bellway who sponsored the event, the Elvetham Hotel for their generosity in providing the venue – and of course all of our participants and everyone who sponsored them.”

One fearless participant added: “It was a great event and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in it,” while another added “it was a really enjoyable and memorable experience, Cliff and his colleague were excellent.”

The Firewalk was run by Time4Change, a training and events organisation which draws upon motivational psychology, neuro-linguistic programming and the martial arts to tap into inner resources of fearlessness and self-belief.

Every day Phyllis Tuckwell supports over 250 patients, relatives and carers - in their own homes and nearby hospice centres.

The NHS/Government however, only covers 20 per cent of its costs, and has to raise over £20,000 a day to maintain their ability to offer support.

To find out how you can support Phyllis Tuckwell visit www.pth.org.uk.