Towers School steps up to the challenge for Pilgrims
Last year Pilgrims Hospices challenged people to face the flames at their inspirational Fire Walk. Hundreds of supporters took part raising an incredible £61,000; enough to cover more than 3,000 of nursing care. This year, the ‘hottest, shortest sponsored walk in the world’ is back with an extra twist!
Not only can you conquer your fears by walking barefoot over 800 degrees of red-hot wood embers, they’re offering the chance to test your nerves by facing the new Icewalk. By putting mind over matter, you could achieve what would be seen to be impossible by walking barefoot across a bed of sterile broken glass.
Robert Grew, met with staff and youngsters at Towers School, Faversham Road, Ashford who will be hosting the Fire and Ice Walk on Friday 9 March. Robert said: “I’d like to thank Towers School for hosting Pilgrims Fire and Ice Walk, it’s the first time we’ve held this event in Ashford, and we’re already having some great response.
“The venue is just brilliant with plenty of room for family and friends to come along and support loved ones when they take the daring dash. It’s a great test of inner strength and a really exciting challenge to take part in or spectate!”
I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future.
Regular Pilgrims supporter and volunteer Sue Barrett-Austen will take part this year, testing her inner strength and determination. Sue is Welfare Manager at Towers School and looks after year 11 and sixth form students. She told us: “I’m very excited to be taking part; I’ve experienced Pilgrims care first hand and can confidently say how important it is to be there for even more families in the future who need their special services and support.
“I know that my registration and sponsorship money will really make a difference to those who need help the most, it’s going to be my biggest challenge so far.”
So why not face the flames this March?
No tricks, no special effects, just you and your nerve. Conquer the most primal of fears in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. Robert added: “Our brave firewalkers tell us how they are still buzzing from the experience weeks later. It’s something anyone can do with no previous training. More of a psychological challenge that physical, by facing the flames you’ll be raising vital funds for our hospices. With every single step, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of local people and their families who are in need of end-of-life care.”
Friends and family can come too. With a breath-taking display from fire performer Paul Incredible just before the main event, they’ll be sure to be amazed as they cheer you across the coals and see what can be achieved.
Take on a Firewalk, an Icewalk, OR BOTH. With interactive training seminars with renowned motivational speaker and fire and glass walking expert Cliff Mann before the daring dash, we know you’ll feel fantastic once you’ve completed the challenge. After all, if you can achieve this, you can find the confidence to do anything.
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
Louise makes a splash for Pilgrims
Keen swimmer Louise Carroll from Broadstairs dedicated some of her half term holiday time to swim an incredible 200 lengths of her local pool in memory of her friend and school staff member, Frank Stivarious. She is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices who cared for Frank when he battled cancer in October 2017, and hopes to raise more than £200.
Dane Court Grammar School student Louise, who is 13 years old, said: “I used to speak to Frank every morning when Mum dropped me at school. He was always such a happy and friendly face and we were all very fond of him at our school.”
Louise’s mum and dad, Claire and Neil, are so proud of Louise’s fundraising. Claire said: “She wanted to do something positive and raise awareness of the wonderful work that Pilgrims Hospices do. Her friends and teachers at school have been really supportive.”
Frank’s wife, Sarah, who is Assistant Head Teacher at Dane Court Grammar, came along to support Louise on her 5000-meter swim, along with Louise’s mum and her grandparents Pat and Ron Dinnes.
Sarah explained: “I’m so impressed with her commitment; I’m sure Frank would have approved of her efforts. She is a very caring and kind young lady.”
13-year-old Louise Carroll is swimming to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices
Louse loves swimming and began at an early age. She currently attends Broadstairs Lifeguard and Swimming Club at Ramsgate Leisure Centre. She also attends Dover Channel Training from May to September. Along with her 200 lengths of the pool, from Sunday 27 May to Friday 1 June Louise will be swimming approximately 2 hours daily around the bays of Jersey with a group of swimmers headed by Sally Minty Gravett MBE. Louise hopes to raise as much as possible from her friends and family, but urges anyone who wishes to support her to donate directly via Pilgrims Hospices website.
Indoor Leisure Manager at Ramsgate Leisure Centre, Gavid Vickers, who kindly gave Louise a free lane in order for her to complete her charity swim, said: “We’re delighted to have helped with Louise’s fundraising swim. We are always keen to support young people who want to help make a difference within our local community. We congratulate her on her amazing efforts.”
We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, added: “We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser. Louise is doing a wonderful job of raising vital funds and awareness of our services. Her 5000-meter swim is actually over 3 miles; that’s quite incredible. We wish her lots of luck with the sea swimming in Jersey later this year.”
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
