Pulling out the stops to help our patient be part of our firewalk
02 April 2026 | View all news
Since writing this piece, Julze has sadly died. His wife Rachel asked our nurses to ensure Julze kept his firewalk wristband on, as it was important to him.
Rachel told us: “Julze was such an inspiration. He was so proud of Katharine House, everything it stood for and the wonderful support he received. “The firewalk brought us all so much joy and such a sense of achievement completing it together.”
Daredevil supporters walked barefoot across hot embers at our new Firewalk fundraiser on Friday, 27 March at Stafford Rangers Football Club.
Among those attending were our patient Julze and his wife, Rachel. Although Julze became too unwell to complete the Firewalk himself, our team worked together to make sure he could still be part of the event which took place just a few days after his birthday.
Julze got out of his wheelchair and held his wife’s hand while walking by her side as she took on the hot embers.
“This is what Katharine House Hospice is all about,” Julze said. “The nurses pulled out all the stops to make this possible for me. Their care is about enabling people to continue doing what is important to them, and this meant so much to me in so many ways.
“Being part of the fundraising event, surrounded by friends, family and the people who deliver the care, made it such an emotional evening for us. We are so very grateful for the care we’ve received, and to everyone who came along and helped fundraise.”
Julze and Rachel raised almost £400, with donations still coming in. In total, the Firewalk has now raised over £20,000 to support local people living with incurable illness.
An unforgettable night of music and flames
Two-time Guinness World Record holder Scott Bell coached participants to stay focused and safe while the firewalk path reached up to 600°C.
Live music from 20 Mile Island and fire performances from AST Entertainment’s Alisha Twine also formed part of the evening.
Many of our own colleagues took part too, including Angela Chalmers from our Hospice at Home team. “It was the best fundraising event I’ve ever attended,” Angela said.
“The atmosphere was amazing, with brilliant support and encouragement from everyone. Walking the fire together felt like a powerful way to light the way for the people we care for in their homes and across our community.”
Walking the fire for someone loved
Supporter Penny Jarvis joined the Firewalk in memory of her best friend, Lynn Ecclestone, who we cared for.
“They gave Lynn dignity. They gave us support. They gave us laughter in our darkest days,” she said. “The firewalk was absolutely amazing. I’ve always wanted to try one, and I came away feeling really energised. My family came to cheer me on, and it felt like the perfect way to honour Lynn and give back.”
Another supporter, Charles Garner, walked as part of team Nancy’s Angels, raising £2,000 in tribute of his mum Nancy and the support she received from us.
“The firewalk was brilliant,” Charles said. “We had good instructions and mindset training at the start. I can’t say enough about the care Katharine House Hospice provide, it’s fantastic.”
Sarah Evison, Business Development Executive at Extramile Digital, said:
“Extramile Digital is proud to support Katharine House Hospice. The firewalk was an exceptional event, and James Alderman and I were honoured to take part. It’s not something either of us ever imagined doing, but it was incredibly empowering.
“Would we do it again? You bet ya!”
Our Community and Events Fundraiser, Lyndsey Howard, said:
“Thank you to everyone who took part. We were really pleased with the number of people who came along to watch and support our firewalkers.
“We’re also grateful to everyone who made the event possible, including our volunteers, April’s Burger Van, Stafford Rangers Football Club, UK Firewalk, Scott Bell, and our event sponsor Magg Services.
“The funds raised will help us continue providing compassionate care to people when they need us most.”
