On a damp, dark Tuesday evening in late September, 28 brave Charity supporters bared their soles (and possibly also their souls) at our first ever Fire Walking Challenge!

Participants held their breath and walked barefoot along a six-metre path of burning hot embers, reaching 1,236 degrees Fahrenheit – a fiery feat not for the fainthearted!

It was a roaring success, raising over £9,000 for the extension to Harefield Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Rose Crosby, who took on the challenge with her daughter-in-law Jade, said: “It was a brilliant night. We felt very proud of ourselves!”

Our very own Community Events & Fundraising Officer, Sal Rai, particularly enjoyed the motivational training that all participants received before the walk. “The session really got us energised and excited. It allowed us to completely focus on the challenge ahead and prepare ourselves, mentally and physically,” she said. “Within 20 minutes into the training were all screaming and shouting, chanting ‘I am strong, powerful and magnificent’! My husband was waiting outside and said we were incredibly loud.”

Contrary to what one might expect of a walk across burning hot embers, Sal explained: “It felt like walking over a warm carpet.”

(We’re not sure we believe her!)

The Charity would like to say a big thank you to Karen Sterling and the Blaze Firewalking team for putting on such an exhilarating night, and to The Bear on the Barge Inn, Harefield, for hosting the evening and for the cracking BBQ for fire walkers and spectators to enjoy.