Charity looks for brave soles to take on challenge

Local charity St Peter's Hospice is looking for daredevils who think they can take the heat to sign up for its latest fundraising challenge.

The charity is launching the St Peter's Hospice Firewalk, which asks people to walk over red-hot wooden embers, which reach heats of 500 degrees centigrade, and raise money for Bristol's only adult hospice.

The event is taking place on Friday 22 March in Millennium Square, Bristol where 70 participants will be put through their paces with professional instructors.

St Peter's Hospice events fundraiser Louisa James said: "This is probably the hottest and shortest sponsored walk you will ever do! It's a 4-5 metre bare-foot walk and there are no tricks, no special effects, just the fire and the walker!

"We're always trying to think of fun ways for people to raise money for us and this event is perfect. It's unique and challenging but anyone can do it and it's also a great one for friends and family to watch.

"Fire walkers will first be given an hour-long motivational training seminar before a short safety brief and a demonstration of how to walk on the fire. After this they will be invited to take off shoes and socks and have a go.

"Every penny counts for a small local hospice like ours so events like this are essential. This is a great opportunity for people to attempt something exciting and impressive and as there are only 70 spaces available I would recommend getting in touch soon."

The Firewalk is being run by experts Survivorbility with experienced instructors who are all accredited by the Fire Walking Institute of Research and Education (FIRE).

Registration for the event costs £20 and it is hoped that participants will raise a minimum of £175.

Phil Skelcey has taken part in the St Peter's Hospice Firewalk before. He said: "I did a Firewalk with St Peter's Hospice a few years ago and absolutely loved it! It was adventurous and exciting but I didn't have to travel outside of Bristol and it meant raising money for a great cause at the same time.

"If anyone is worried about the safety I would say don't be! The instructors are fantastic; they guide you through the whole process and make the experience fun. It doesn't hurt at all and believe me, once you've done it once you'll want to queue up and do it all over again!"

Louisa continued: "If you think you have what it takes to hot-foot it across burning embers then please get in touch soon.  It's going to be great fun and you will really make a difference."

Now in its 35th anniversary year, St Peter's Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients with life-limiting illnesses each year and provides emotional support for their families. Each year it costs £6.8 million to run the hospice with 77% of that coming from public support.

To sign up please visit the website at www.stpetershospice.org/events/firewalk