Local teacher to walk on fire for hospice care in memory of dad
Local teacher Carol Cavanagh (54), from Garlinge near Margate, will take on a Firewalk for Pilgrims Hospices on Friday 1 March in Canterbury. She has signed up for the ‘hottest, shortest sponsored walk in the world’ in memory of her dad, Albert John Luckhurst, who was cared for at the charity’s Margate hospice in 2016.
Albert was an upholsterer and carpet fitter from Westgate-on-Sea and when he was diagnosed with incurable cancer, Pilgrims stepped in to provide vital support for him and his family. Carol said: “They couldn’t have done more for us all. From the moment I walked through the doors to request help for my dad, the staff and volunteers were so welcoming, caring and kind. It was very difficult initially, knowing what Pilgrims’ purpose is, but they acted immediately so Dad was receiving the care he needed. Our family and friends also received good support.
“My dad had just a short time in the Margate hospice before he sadly passed away aged 76, but as a family, we knew he was peaceful. That is so important.”
Carol is being sponsored by family and friends as she prepares to brave her barefoot Firewalk challenge. She hopes to raise £150 for the local hospice charity that supported Albert and his family when they needed it most. Carol added: “I want other families to be able to benefit from the care and kindness that Pilgrims gave my dad and us.”
My dad had just a short time in the Margate hospice before he sadly passed away, but as a family, we knew he was peaceful. That is so important.Carol
Robert Grew, Events Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “We simply couldn’t provide the skilled and compassionate care we do for so many in our community without the support of people like Carol, ready to conquer their fear and face the flames in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. I’d like to wish Carol and all our firewalkers the best of luck for their challenge and thank them for putting their best foot forward for hospice care. We’ll be cheering you all the way.”
You can sponsor Carol by visiting her JustGiving page.
Feeling inspired to follow in Carol’s footsteps and face the flames?
There is still time to enter the Firewalk in Canterbury on Friday 1 March 2019 or Ashford on Saturday 2 March 2019.
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/firewalk or call 01227 812 609 to sign up now, but hurry, advance entry closes this Sunday 24 February 2019. Entry includes training seminar, firewalking experience and certificate.
