Firewatch encourages people to walk over hot coals for charity

Staff from a local fire protection services company have come up with a novel way of raising money for charity - instead of preventing a fire from happening, they will be walking across it. Firewatch South West, which is based in Newton Abbot, has joined forces with the West of England School and College, its charity of the year, to hold a firewalk.

The event, which will raise funds through sponsorship for the charity that provides specialist education and care to blind and partially sighted children and young people, is to be held at Double Locks, in Exeter, on Friday 26 October and Firewatch’s CEO, Martin Smith, has decided to lead by example and be the first one over the coals.

“I nominated the WESC as one of our charities for 2012, mainly because it is a local charity which does fantastic work for blind and partially sighted youngsters. It is also in memory of my late father, Peter Smith, who passed away in 2006. He suffered with macular degeneration in his last couple of years which greatly affected his quality of life. I visited WESC and was very impressed with the great work they do,” Martin says.

Martin and his managing director, Max Willey, are hoping to encourage as many of their staff to join in as possible and are hoping that members of the public who fancy a challenge will also sign up - all are welcome. Senior members of the West of England School staff will also be braving the hot coals.

“There’s probably some mileage to be made from people from a fire prevention services company willingly walking across hot coals but we really want everyone to come along to raise money for the children and young people to give them the same opportunities as their sighted peers,” Martin says.

Participants at the event will be mentored by Scott Bell, the Guinness World Record holder for the greatest firewalking distance - 328ft on burning coals - and must pay a registration fee of £20 and raise a minimum sponsorship of £100.

“The money raised will help the WESC team continue to support the children and young people who contend with additional learning and physical needs as well as their visual impairment,” says Caroline Burkie, Fundraising Manager at WESC.

“We fundraise to provide the children and young people with life-enhancing opportunities so they don't miss out and by getting involved in this exciting event you will be making a real difference to their lives while having a lot of fun. Firewatch's support has made this event possible and just goes to show how brilliant a charity of the year partnership can be.”

To register for the event, contact Caroline Burkie at the West of England School on 01392 454334 or email cburkie@westengland.ac.uk.