Woman to walk on fire in memory of best friend of 50 years

Penny Jarvis will take part in the Katharine House Hospice Firewalk, honouring Lynn Ecclestone and raising funds for the charity that supported Lynn and her family. 

“We were there for everything in each other’s lives for 50 years”, said Penny. “She wasn’t just my best friend, she was family.” 

As Lynn’s health declined, treatments failed to improve her condition. Penny and Lynn’s family encouraged her to contact Katharine House Hospice. 

“When she went to Katharine House, she said straight away, ‘I’m not dying at home.’ She wanted to be there,” Penny said. 

From the moment Lynn arrived, Penny says they knew they had made the right decision. 

“We got on with the staff straight away. There was laughter, even on the hardest days. That meant everything to us.” 

The hospice also arranged a wedding blessing, allowing Lynn to see her daughter, Jade, and her partner, Joe, exchange vows. 

“It meant she could see that special day happen,” Penny said. “That’s something we’ll always be grateful for.” 

Tracy Riley, one of the hospice nurses who supported Lynn, added: “Being able to help create special moments, like the wedding blessing, is exactly why hospice care matters. 

“It was a privilege to care for Lynn. She was extremely graceful and beautiful, and her family’s love for her was clear to everyone.” 

Lynn died at the hospice in March 2025. 

In the months that followed, Penny and Lynn’s family channelled their grief into fundraising, organising an event that raised more than £17,000. 

Now, one year on, Penny is taking on the charity firewalk challenge. 

“I remember seeing firewalks as a child and thinking they looked amazing,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to try one, and this way I get to support the hospice too.” 

The firewalk will take place at Stafford Rangers Football Club from 7pm to 9.30pm on Friday, March 27. Places cost £25, with a booking deadline of 3 pm on Friday, 20 March. 

Spectators can attend for free and the evening will include fire jugglers and refreshments. 

Penny says the hospice will always hold a special place in her heart. 

“They gave Lynn dignity. They gave us support. They gave us laughter in the darkest days,” she said. “Other families will need them too.” 

Lyndsey Howard, Community and Events Fundraiser for Katharine House Hospice, added: “We’re so grateful to Penny for taking on the Firewalk in memory of Lynn. Her ongoing support makes a real difference, and we hope it inspires others to join the challenge and to support our care.” 

Katharine House Hospice relies on donations and fundraising to provide specialist care for people living with an incurable illness and support for their families across the local community. 

Penny hopes others will join her - either by taking on the coals or cheering on the sidelines - so more families can receive the same care Lynn did. 

To sign up or find out more, visit khhospice.org.uk/firewalk.