Charity firewalk helps support cancer patients

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and cancer charity Maggie’s are inviting North East residents to face the heat by participating in a firewalk to support those affected by cancer.

Established in 2023, this partnership aims to empower cancer patients through creative support, blending art and care for local communities. Firewalking, an age-old practice symbolising resilience, aligns with the event’s goal of helping individuals overcome challenges.

Taking place on November 14 at Baltic Square, the Walk on Fire event will see fundraisers walk barefoot over 1,200-degree Fahrenheit coals to raise funds for art therapy workshops organised by the art gallery and charity. 

Kate Gray, director of public value & enterprise at the 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.”

Karen Verrill, centre head at Maggie’s Newcastle, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Baltic again for this year’s firewalk. 

“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.”

Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up to take part. Entry is £20 for fundraising tickets and £45 for non-fundraising, with a fundraising goal of £80 per participant. Tickets are available at https://baltic.art/whats-on/bg-maggies-x-baltic-walk-on-fire/.

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