Janet Taylor-Fane, Deputy Ward Sister at Fair Havens in Prittlewelll, will be taking part in Havens Hospices’ Fire Walk fundraiser along with her husband Peter and sister Gill, on Saturday 23rd April in Chelmsford.
This is the first fire walk fundraiser held by the charity and it’s hoped this unique experience will raise thousands of pounds towards its hospice care as income continues to recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. For younger fundraisers there is an alternative Lego Walk option.
This will be the first time Janet has attempted a fire walk. The 45-year-old, who lives in Southend, says, “I signed up as it’s something I have never done before, so I feel nervous and excited at the same time. My friends and family think I’m mad doing the fire walk but they always support me in my adventures especially if it’s for a good cause.”
Janet has worked at Fair Havens for six years in the In Patient Unit and knows the importance of the work they do in the community and why fundraising is vital to keep these services going. She said: “I love working at Fair Havens. We walk with patients and their families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Many people think that hospice nursing is just about sitting with a patient during their dying days, but this job has much more depth and meaning than that. We seek to help patients live life to its fullest during those remaining days.”
She continues, “Rather than restrict what patients can do, we try to help patients continue to spend quality time with their loved ones and doing the activities they enjoy, making every day count and promoting independence. We want our patients to live as comfortably and as peacefully as possible. We enjoy being with our patients very much and they enjoy our company too.”
Cerena Ashwell, Fundraising Officer at Havens Hospices said: “We’re thrilled to be offering a fire walk fundraiser to our programme of events this year for the first time.
“Participants do not need any previous experience, just a dose of courage as they prepare to walk across smouldering hot coals. It may sound daunting but you will be in safe hands as you receive full training before the event, hosted by UK Firewalk – one of the UK‘s leading firewalking companies.
“As a charity which relies on the generosity of the public to provide its hospice services, every pound raised in sponsorship will help support children, young people and adults living with incurable conditions across Essex, and their families.”
Registration for either the Fire or Lego Walk costs £20 and participants are required to meet a minimum fundraising target of £100.
Please note firewalkers must be aged 16 or over. Minimum age for the Lego Walk is five years. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old at all times.
To join Janet and other ‘brave soles’ in the charity’s fire walk fundraiser, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/firewalk. Registration closes on Thursday 21st April.
To sponsor Janet and her family visit www.justgiving.com/team/Hotsteppers3
Published 12th April 2022
