Firewalk raises a red-hot £10k for Stratford charity

MORE than 100 feet walked over hot coals to raise an incredible £10,000 for Heart of England Mencap at the weekend.

The Charity Firewalk was organised by the Friends of Heart of England Mencap and took place at the Home Guard Club in Tiddington on Saturday, 1st October.

All 57 people who signed up completed the challenge after just two hours of training from Blaze Firewalking.

The event is the largest fundraiser to date organised by the Friends of Heart of England Mencap.

Amongst those taking part were a big contingent of Mencap’s staff and supporters, as well as corporate teams, including 11 workers from Santander UK, based in Solihull.

Heart of England Mencap’s chief executive, Helena Wallis, who took part, said: “The opportunity to take part in a personal challenge, along with such a motivated group of supporters felt amazing.

"The experience was incredible, not painful at all! Overcoming fear felt a great achievement – especially when I knew that so many people would benefit from my involvement and from the incredible funds we raised. It was worth every step.”

Karen Rousell, Chair of the Friends of HofE Mencap, added: “We have raised more than we could ever have imagined and we owe a huge thank you to everyone.

"We are now deciding how best to spend the incredible total, as with all of our fundraising it will go straight to the local people with learning disabilities who are supported by Heart of England Mencap.”