Firewalk in aid of Cornwall & Devon Mind
Photographed by Ropa Madziva.
An extraordinary firewalk fundraising for mental health services across the South West!
On Saturday 14 March 2026 our Garden Open Day and Firewalk helped raise more than £13,000 for Cornwall & Devon Mind
Our first open day of 2026 started under the most wonderful blue skies. Full of promise and bird song, we couldn’t have hoped for a better day. Visitors arrived in their droves to explore the early spring gardens, and to take advantage of all the home-made cakes on offer in the castle. The day was going well, until the heavens opened in the most astonishing hailstorm that we think we’ve ever seen! The temperature plummeted, the winds got up, the gardens were covered in what looked like snow, the gutters blocked with hail and overflowed, and everyone searched for shelter wherever they could find it.
Fortunately there was a lot of excellent spirit around, and many still managed a good stroll in the gardens before getting prepared to watch the firewalk.
Cliff from Time4Change took the 50 nervous firewalkers to the Repton Room for their training session while Mark from Higher Being Circus in Launceston entertained friends and family with an excellent fire display as the daylight faded and the tiki lights flickered along the terraces.
With two last minute spots available on the firewalk, you probably wont be surprised to hear that Ted and Sarah Coryton rose to the challenge, and snuck into Cliff’s talk at the last minute ready-ing themselves to scamper across the hot coals. Cliff gave an excellent and uplifting talk to the firewalkers, including many inspirational messages such as “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid, it means that you don’t let fear stop you”.
With the fire lane lit and burning hard, the walkers ventured onto the terrace to much cheering and clapping from a wonderful crowd of supporters. Finally the coals were deemed to be ready, the beat got louder, and Cliff shouted ‘go’ to the first walkers who took determinedly to the coals. We held our breath, but needn’t have worried … every single fire walker came off the coals with a beaming smile, a huge amount of energy and keen desire to go round again!
Across all fundraising efforts from every participant, the garden ticket sales and cash donations on the night, the post currently stands at just over £13,000.
It’s never too late to donate to either Cornwall or Devon Mind. But, if you wish to donate specifically via the Team Pentillie link, please use the button below.
F.E.A.R - False Evidence Appearing Real
"Saturday evening was extraordinary. I never ever thought I would be able to do something like this, but after listening to Cliff’s talk, feeling the changes in my body as he talked through our different mind states, I was ready for those hot coals. And to know we have collectively raised so much for two such important charities is wonderful. Do it if you get the chance!” Sarah Coryton, Firewalker 7th March 2026
About Cornwall Mind & Devon Mind
Working across the South West, these charities empower people to better understand, manage, and improve their mental health, with support services such as peer groups and therapy to workplace training and crisis help.
Both charities are affiliated with the National Mind Association, but rely on local fundraising to continue offering life-changing support in their communities.
All information has been taken directly from the charity.
For more information email marketing@pentillie.co.uk or call 01579 350044.
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