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Home / Walking on ice: a chilling charity challenge

On Wednesday evening, 28th October, Wessex Cancer Support hosted a fundraising ‘Ice Walk’ at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel.  Funds are still coming in but around £3,000 has already been raised by some very sure-footed volunteers.  These will be a vital contribution to the our personalised cancer support across our region.

A cliff-top challenge on ‘ice’

Guided by the experts at Blaze Firewalking, 13 brave souls (or 26 brave soles, if you will!) accepted one big dare: to walk, barefoot, across 20 feet (about 6 meters) of shattered glass.

It was the perfect night for it. A clear, crisp winters evening allowed great views from the cliff top hotel’s poolside terrace across to Bournemouth Pier.  The purpose-built walkway was completed with Halloween decorations to add further to the atmosphere of the event.  As walkers and their friends and family gathered to take part, the wind dropped and an excited buzz filled the terrace.

Mission accomplished

All those who set out to complete the walk did so, to the cheers of onlookers and the Wessex team.  Each walked for different reasons but all wanted to show their support for such a great cause.

After the walk, Anne said she was walking for more than just the personal challenge. “Following on from cancer, I am so thankful to be alive and have more time to spend with my family. When I heard about the event, I knew I had to do it.  Apart from the personal challenge, I felt compelled to try and raise awareness of the Centre and funds to help keep it going for other cancer sufferers, survivors and their families.”

Other walkers also shared their sense of achievement in having done it.  “After I did the Ice Walk, I felt amazing!” Eliza said.  “I felt that I needed to give something back to the Wessex. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Grateful to the walkers

Event coordinator, Amanda Overy, our Dorset Regional Fundraiser, is delighted with the events’ success.  “It is so rewarding to see people take up such a difficult challenge – both physically and mentally – to help us raise funds.  It was another really enjoyable evening and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave up their time and found the courage to take part.”

This Ice Walk followed swiftly in the footsteps of another successful Fire Walk organised by our fundraising team with the help of the experts at Blaze.  Both events have proved popular over recent years so it’s likely they will feature in the 2027 fundraising calendar.  Watch the Events page on our website if you are feeling brave enough to tackle this – or any of our upcoming challenges!