Hartsdown teacher Carol Cavanagh, from Garlinge, will take on a Firewalk for Pilgrims Hospices In memory of her dad Albert Luckhurst.
The 54-year-old has signed up for the ‘hottest, shortest sponsored walk in the world’ taking place on Friday 1 March in Canterbury.
Albert was an upholsterer and carpet fitter from Westgate 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 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.”
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.
If you would like to support Carol and help her raise even more for Pilgrims visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carol-luckhurst
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 or Ashford on Saturday 2 March.
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/firewalk or call 01227 812 609 to sign up now, but hurry, advance entry closes this Sunday 24 February. Entry includes training seminar, firewalking experience and certificate.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here for information about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.