Jocelyn, 46, from Shelton Lock is keen to do the extreme challenge and fundraise for the local charity where she attends once a week. Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting illness and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Treetops is one place I feel safe
Jocelyn explained more about her condition:
“I am a brittle asthmatic which means I can become severely poorly within minutes. Because of the medication I’m on to try and control it, it’s caused me to become diabetic. I also have a heart problem.
“Treetops is one place I feel safe because my condition is so up and down. I like to be where I can be safe and there’s help if I need it. I started attending the Well-being Days and then I was offered a place at Day Care once a week.
“For the first time since I’ve been so poorly, it helped to be in an environment where I could be myself. The advice you get from the nurses here, and other people who attend, really does help. I’ve had advice on food and nutrition, how to help with the pain, relaxation, meditation and where to look for information. I highly recommend it and how good it is.”
It will be an achievement and I like to challenge myself
Jocelyn isn’t fazed by the fact she’ll be walking on embers burning at 1236 degrees Fahrenheit:
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to try and it’s for a place I like and want to help. I’m excited about doing it – it will be an achievement and I like to challenge myself. Any little challenge I can try and do, I go for it.
“I’m a person who looks on the positive side of things, even if it’s to help someone else who’s going through something similar. And say, look, I’ve been through it, I got there and you can too.
“My family don’t know I’m doing the Fire Walk yet. My kids are so used to me doing this sort of thing, they’re just not surprised by anything I do now!”
Those attending the Fire Walk can also opt to complete an Ice Walk, walking barefoot across 2,000 broken wine bottles.
An amazing evening
Suzie Green, Corporate Partnerships
Suzie Green, corporate partnerships fundraiser, explained more about the event:
“Like Jocelyn, we really want people to face their fears and do the impossible. The two Walks are very different – the Fire Walk is adrenaline-filled, loud and exciting and the Ice Walk is a very calm and relaxing event, the ultimate in mindfulness!
“Everyone who takes part has a training session beforehand including motivational exercises and psychological methods with a world-class ‘Fire Master’ instructor from the event organisers Blaze.
“You can even enter as a team-building exercise if there are ten or more of you so it could be a great way to get work colleagues together for the night.
“Friends and family are also very welcome to come and cheer you on and enjoy the evening and there’ll be a bbq, a bar, and raffle. It should be an amazing evening so we’re encouraging people to register soon.”
It costs £20 to take part in the Fire Walk or Ice Walk, or £25 to complete both Walks.
Participants must register in advance and more information – including timings – can be found on the Treetops website or by calling Suzie Green on 0115 949 1264.
Treetops Hospice Care services include Support and Information, a Day Care Unit, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling and complementary therapy.