Up to 40 people sign up and face the high-temperature challenge of walking over hot coals in the name of charity next month

The Autumn Firewalk event will be hosted by St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood on Sunday, October 27.

Fundraisers each take a turn to walk barefoot over red-hot wood embers, smouldering at over 800 degrees Fahrenheit, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Emma Broadbent, challenges and events fundraiser at St Clare Hospice, said: “Are you worried about being troubled by chilly toes this autumn? Want to warm your feet by the fire?

“What better way to get toasty than by entering the St Clare Autumn Firewalk.

“Not only will you keep the chill off as the weather turns cooler, you will also help to raise a scorching hot amount for your local hospice. We can’t think of anything hotter!”

Amongst this year’s walkers is avid St Clare supporter, Terry Mackay, who will brave the coals for the second time.

He said: “I walked over red-hot coals at St Clare’s Autumn Firewalk in October 2018 – and I’m coming back to the Hospice to do it again this year.

“My son, Daniel, is also doing it with me – so that makes it even better.”

Commenting on the experience, Me Mackay said, “The heat that you feel on your feet when doing the Firewalk is nowhere near as bad as what you might experience when walking on a hot beach on holiday.

“You can, of course, feel the heat – but it doesn’t hurt. It is just learning to control your mind, as your instincts.”

This Is Local London:

Terry Mackey braved the hot coal challenge for St Clare Hospice last year

The St Clare Autumn Firewalk will be hosted at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, from 3:30pm to 6pm.

On the day, participants can enjoy an interactive workshop to get them ready for the Firewalk, before the challenge.

Registration is £25 per person and St Clare asks participants to be 18 and over, pledging to raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship.

For more information and to sign-up for the event visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/autumn-firewalk or contact Emma Broadbent on 01279 773754 or emma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk