On Saturday 14th March 2026, myself and my brilliant colleague Charmaine, will be doing something that frankly terrifies us.

As I approach my 50th year (I know right, you were thinking 30th) and Charmaine works out what living in Cornwall means (yup, an adventure on your doorstep every day), we’ve been thinking about what it means to push yourself — and more importantly, what it means to show up for the people and places that matter. So Charmaine and I will be walking barefoot across burning embers in support of a charity (well actually two linked charities) genuinely close to our hearts: Cornwall & Devon Mind.

Three years ago you might remember my family (Marc and the boys and I) along with Ted (Dad) and Sarah (Mum), slept rough for a night to raise funds for Alabare. It was humbling, eye-opening, and rewarding, and I’ve been meaning to do something like it again ever since.

This feels like the right moment (and yes I know it makes it much easier when it happens in the garden at Pentillie!)

The firewalk itself — led by the brilliant team at Time4Change — lasts only seconds. But those seconds represent something much bigger. Cornwall Mind & Devon Mind provide an invaluable lifeline to local people navigating some of the darkest periods of their lives, offering real support, genuine respect, and a way forward. As a business owner rooted in this community, I can't think of few things more worth supporting.

The firewalk will start at 7:30pm, with up to 50 brave souls taking part. Local food trucks and a bar will be available until 9pm — so if you’d like to come along, cheer us on, and be part of the moment, we’d absolutely love to see you there.

If you’re looking to make a full day of it, our 55-acre historic woodland gardens will also be open from 12 noon on the same day, with all entry proceeds going directly to Mind Cornwall and Mind Devon. A lovely way to support the cause while enjoying the spring gardens alongside the River Tamar.

Every donation, however small, goes directly towards vital mental health services across the Southwest. If you can give, even just a little, it would mean a huge amount, not only to Charmaine and myself, but also to those who stand to benefit. 

NB - this page is linked to Devon Mind as we had to select one charity for our JustGiving page. However, by arrangement with both Devon and Cornwall Mind, with whom we are working to host the whole day of events, we have agreed that any sponsorship or donations Team Pentillie receive will be split equally between the two counties!

Thank you.