Around 50 people took part in a fundraising fire walk for hospice charity ellenor.

The charity, which supports terminally ill patients across Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley, held the challenge at Maidstone United FC’s Gallagher Stadium.

Among those taking part was Steve Simmonite, manager of ellenor’s Swanley shop, alongside his sisters Carol and Susan. Their mother, June, died from breast cancer and was cared for by ellenor.

Steve said: “The firewalk was amazing. I really can’t put it into words how it felt. It was uplifting and it was time we did something a little mad together for our mother.”

Also taking part were brother and sister John and Tina Waller were among those taking part.

Their mother, Melanie, was cared for by ellenor and died at the Gravesend hospice six weeks ago. Her husband Chris turned out to support his children and thank the staff who cared for her.

“The firewalk was amazing. I really can’t put it into words how it felt. It was uplifting and it was time we did something a little mad together for our mother.” Steve Simmonite.

Chris, from New Ash Green, said: “As soon as Melanie died, we all knew we wanted to do something to thank ellenor for their support.

“Melanie had been ill with ovarian cancer for three years and was told it was terminal in July last year. From that point we had regular visits at home from ellenor nurses, who supported her wish to stay at home as long as she could.

“She did spend four days in the hospice at one point and, due to their care, was able to come home with us for another two weeks.

“Then, one morning six weeks ago, Melanie said to me ‘I think I should go to ellenor’.

“She was admitted at 9.30am on February 3 and died at 10.30pm that evening.

“The care there was so gentle and we just want to thank everyone so much.”

More than £10,000 was raised by the firewalkers, which will help ellenor lend further support to families facing terminal illness.