On Wednesday 24th April, an extraordinary group of supporters stepped up, and stepped straight onto hot coals, to raise vital funds for Jessie May. The Firewalk, hosted by Garth from Almondsbury Creative, brought together the community and a whole lot of excitement.
For Garth, this event meant even more. As a Jessie May Dad, he knows first‑hand the difference that specialist nursing, emotional support and respite can make to families. His passion for giving something back shaped the entire evening, creating an atmosphere that was incredibly uplifting.
A total of 29 people took part, each one pushing themselves far beyond their comfort zone. Among them was a Jessie May nurse, walking in honour of the families she supports every day, and our Trusts & Grants Manager, who came along to cheer everyone on.
“The atmosphere was incredible. You could feel the determination in every single person who stepped up to take on the challenge. It was inspiring to see how much it meant – not just as a personal achievement, but as a way of showing support for our nurses and the families we care for. Thank you to everyone who took part, supported from the sidelines or helped the event run smoothly.”
What made the evening even more special was the mix of people who took part: family members, people who work with children supported by Jessie May, a former trustee and her sister, long‑standing supporters, a local sports team and even a young fundraiser taking on her first big challenge. It showed that bravery comes in many forms, and that anyone can step forward to support Jessie May.
As the sun set, participants came together for a short workshop, learning techniques to help them stay focused and calm before taking on the challenge ahead. There were some nerves, but also plenty of laughter, encouragement and a strong sense of support among the group.
One by one, each firewalker made their way across the embers, cheered on by friends, family and supporters. The applause that followed reflected their bravery and the shared support for Jessie May families.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of everyone involved, and the generosity of those who sponsored them. The event raised an outstanding £5,268!!
We’re incredibly grateful to:
- Garth and the Almondsbury Creative team for hosting such a memorable event
- Every single firewalker who took on the challenge with courage and heart
- Everyone who donated, sponsored or came along to support
- Our Jessie May staff and volunteers who helped make the evening run smoothly
Events like this remind us just how strong and generous our community is. Every step across those coals helps ensure Jessie May nurses can continue being there for families when they need us most.
