AROUND 30 people conquered walking across hot coals in Penarth in aid of terminal illness charity Marie Curie – raising thousands of pounds for the cause.

The group of supporters, who ranged from those who had received support from the charity to those working for the charity, had signed up to take part in the Firewalk, hosted at the Old Penarthians RFC in the town.

Participants had a briefing from Firewalk company Time4Change, who prepared the challenge safely for them.

Among those taking part were Lorna Prance, 78, whose husband was cared for at the hospice and Jet Ward-Henry, whose dad also received Marie Curie support. Mrs Prance’s husband, Clive, died at 65 from kidney cancer at the Marie Curie Cardiff and Vale Hospice in August 2017, and Mrs Prance said the support she and her husband received was invaluable. She has since raised more than £2,000 for the charity through tea parties held on her street.

Day therapy healthcare assistant Maggie Whitfield also took part in the event, while Jean Round travelled from Swansea to take part having supported the charity for a number of years.

Hospice ambassador Mariclare Carey-Jones also took on the challenge for the charity. She is set to take part in her second overseas trek for the charity next year to Vietnam, with husband Dave.

Hannah Leckie, community fundraiser for Cardiff and the Vale, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who conquered the coals to raise vital funds for Marie Curie and those who turned out to support everyone taking part.

“Events like this are essential in helping us continue to raise vital funds to provide care and support for people when they need it most.”

Cakes were donated for the event by Memory Lane Cakes at the Finsbury Food Group, while Sue from Burger Palace had hot dogs and burgers cooking for participants and their supporters throughout the night.

The amount raised from the event is still being counted up.

Marie Curie provides round-the-clock care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families at its hospice on Bridgeman Road in the town.

The charity also provides a Hospice at Home service and has a team of clinical nurse specialists in the Vale who provide support such as symptom control and pain management.

To find out how you can get involved in challenges and fundraising for Marie Curie, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved.