Okehampton woman faces fiery challenge to honour father and support Devon charity

An Okehampton woman has raised funds by walking barefoot across hot coals for a Devon hospice that cared for her father in his final days.

Kathryn Reynolds, who works at the Specsavers store in Okehampton, took part in the event to raise money for Hospiscare, which supported her father in the final days of his life.

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Kathryn’s father, Steve Morris, died in 2024 after suffering an aortic dissection, with his family saying there had been no warning signs that he was unwell, and his sudden illness came as a shock.

Steve was originally from Ottery St Mary and had taken part in the town’s traditional tar barrel celebrations in his younger years. 

Kathryn noted this connection with fire helped inspire her decision to take part in the firewalk.

The event involved participants walking barefoot across coals heated to around 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kathryn was one of around 80 people who took part on the night, and said:

“My dad was treated at Derriford but didn’t come out of his coma. It was a massive shock to us all, but the care he received at the hospice was amazing.

ABOVE: Kathryn after her firewalk (Image: Tigerbond)

“I was looking for ways to raise money. I’m not sporty, so I didn’t want to do a running event, but when I found out about the firewalk it felt like the right thing to do.”

Kathryn also explained how those taking part were given guidance beforehand and encouraged to walk at a steady pace across the coals.

“It was a strange sensation, and I was nervous beforehand, but I really enjoyed it,” she said.

“There was a real sense of togetherness. Everyone supported each other and it felt very positive. I’m proud to have done it.”

With support from colleagues at the Specsavers Okehampton store, Kathryn raised £600, and the firewalk event as a whole raised more than £20,000 in total for Hospiscare.

Hospiscare provides care and support to people living with terminal illness across Exeter, central and east Devon. 

The charity supports around 2,200 people each year and relies on fundraising and donations for much of its income.

Martin Stokke, Senior Events Fundraiser at Hospiscare, thanked those involved in the event:

“We’re extremely grateful to Kathryn and everyone who took part in the firewalk in support of our patients and their families.

“Thanks also go to the volunteers, staff and supporters who helped make the event possible and kept everyone safe. Raising more than £20,000 for local end-of-life care is a fantastic achievement.”

The fundraiser forms part of ongoing community efforts across Devon to support hospice care services.