Brave schoolboy conquers the coals for St Catherine’s Hospice’s daring Firewalk challenge

A daredevil schoolboy is set to take on a feat of endurance when he tackles a blazing Firewalk challenge for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The charity is staging the sizzling stunt during its Yellow Day Garden Fete, in the grounds of St Catherine’s Park in Lostock Hall on Sunday, June 24.

Twelve-year-old Ethan Gibbons, from Leyland, jumped at the chance to take part in the sponsored Firewalk, and has encouraged his dad Jamie and a group of friends to join him.

Ethan, who attends Walton-le-Dale High School, said: “I wanted to do something for St Catherine’s because our family friend Leon Callon was at the hospice recently. There are lots of fundraising events to choose from, but the Firewalk just sounds really cool!

“It looks like an extreme and fun thing to do, and something which you don’t get chance to do every day. I’m a bit nervous but I’m quite excited as well.”

Leon, who was diagnosed with a rare type of stomach cancer last year, created #TeamCallon – a determined group of family and friends who are busy with everything from bike rides to marathon runs in aid of St Catherine’s this year.

Leon, from Hoghton, visited the Lostock Hall hospice regularly to see a specialist doctor, and was also referred to the charity’s Clinical Nurse Specialists who offer care and support in people’s own homes. He spent his final days in the hospice’s inpatient unit in March, and died aged 36 surrounded by his loved ones.

Ethan added: “St Catherine’s is a really friendly, welcoming place, and they looked after Leon really well. I’m looking forward to coming back for Yellow Day and the Firewalk to support my local charity.”

Hosted by UK Firewalk, the fiery feat involves hot-footing it across coals which can reach a scorching 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. All participants receive training on the day, and it is suitable for anyone aged 12 and above. Registration is £15, with sponsorship raised helping to fund the specialist palliative and end-of-life care offered by St Catherine’s to local people at the hospice and in people’s own homes.

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at the charity, said: “Ethan is extremely brave to take on our Firewalk; it’s an adrenaline-pumping feat and we’re so grateful for his support!

“We held the challenge during Yellow Day for the first time last year and received some amazing feedback, so we’re delighted that even more daredevils are conquering the coals this year to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“There are still some places available for anyone who wants to test their nerves and endurance, and it’s set to be one of the highlights of Yellow Day.”

She added: “The whole family is invited along on the day, which runs from 11am until 4pm, to cheer on our firewalkers and enjoy the host of attractions, activities and entertainment in St Catherine’s Park, including live music, dance displays, stalls, garden games, fairgrounds rides, delicious food and more.”

For more information and to sign up to the Firewalk, please click here.

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