Baltic charity firewalk to raise money for people affected by cancer

Taking place on Baltic Square in Gateshead on Thursday 14 November, Walk on Fire will see charity fundraisers walk barefoot over burning coals that can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The money raised will help go towards monthly art therapy workshops at Baltic and Maggie’s.

Kate Gray, Director of Public Value & Enterprise from Baltic said: “We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Maggie’s to support people living with cancer in Gateshead and across the North East.

“Engaging with art and culture is proven to have huge benefits for people’s mental health and wellbeing. The art therapy sessions at Baltic provide people living with cancer the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new environment away from the familiar surroundings of home and hospital. It’s a chance to be creative and channel their emotions into something expressive and visual.

“The feedback we’ve received so far has been fantastic, and we’d love to create more opportunities for people living with cancer to experience the wellbeing benefits that come from art and creativity.”

Karen Verrill, Centre Head at Maggie’s Newcastle, said “We’re delighted to be partnering with Baltic again for this year’s fire walk. The therapeutic art sessions both at Maggie’s and Baltic have been a welcome addition to our programme of support. People are able to explore their thoughts and feelings whilst making art, encompassing our core value of helping people affected by cancer live as well as possible.”

The gallery and cancer charity established a partnership in 2023 with joy and creativity at its very core. Both organisations have expertise in care and hospitality, which are delivered in creative spaces to best serve communities in the North East. The two charities see an opportunity to deliver activity in partnership, using art to connect and empower local people affected by cancer, helping them live as well as possible.

Anthony Venus, a freelance art psychotherapist for Baltic who leads the monthly art therapy sessions at Maggie’s, said: “Collaborating with Maggie’s cancer charity is both an honour and a privilege. My art therapy sessions foster a safe environment where individuals can reflect and connect with others during some of the most challenging times in their lives. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to provide support to our community.

“Everyone is welcome; whether they seek help for themselves or their family members. Maggie’s is a truly remarkable charity, and I am proud to be a part of this journey.”

Walking on hot coals, known as firewalking, is an ancient practice in many cultures around the world. It’s often used to demonstrate human resilience and serves as a metaphor for overcoming fears and challenges in life. Firewalkers navigate the path of burning coals without burns or injuries due to the insulating ash and specific mental and physical techniques.

Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up to take part in Walk on Fire at Baltic (people taking treatments that can cause sore feet as a side effect - e.g. chemotherapy drug Capecitabine - should seek medical advice first). Entry cost £20 for fundraising tickets, and £45 for non-fundraising tickets. The fundraising target for each firewalker is £80 and tickets can be purchased from baltic.art.

Maggie’s provides free expert psychological, emotional and practical support for everyone living with cancer. The charity has nearly 28 years of experience providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK. Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming spaces run by expert staff that help people live well with cancer. For more information, visit maggies.org.