Charity trailblazers

Date published: 20 February 2015


BRAVE volunteers hot-footed it across burning coals and ash last night to raise cash for Mahdlo Youth Zone.

Dozens of members, patrons and staff bared their soles and stepped on to the bed of 600C coals for the 20ft barefoot walk.

Even the wet weather couldn’t dampen their spirits - or the fire - as more than 60 people took part in the fundraising challenge at the Egerton Street centre.

Every participant was given a safety talk before stepping up to the plate. After a demo by Scott Bell - twice world record holder for the longest distance walked over fire - it was the turn of Mahdlo chairman Terry Flanagan, to cross the coals.

He was quickly followed by the rest of the group, each one walking away with a huge smile, certificate and ash-black feet.

Walker Collette Donnelly (32) enjoyed the experience so much she had a second go: “I think I blocked everything out the first time I went across so I wanted to do it again.”

For those not brave enough to face the fire, the youth zone threw open its doors for a family fun event including crafts, face painting, sports and competition.




Colleagues said they would sponsor me by the blister!


Chron reporter Lucy Kenderdine took the firewalk challenge...



TO say I’d been dreading taking part in the firewalk is a huge understatement.


From the moment editor Dave Whaley and Mahdlo development manager Claire Crossfield “volunteered” me, I’d been terrified!

I had more than one nightmare about falling face first into the coals. Several colleagues suggested they would sponsor me for “£1 per blister”. It really didn’t help.

But once I arrived at Mahdlo my nerves settled down.

I memorised the safety routine (wipe feet, deep breath, walk the coals, wipe feet again, celebrate) and started to believe I could do it. It’s only eight steps across a bed of hot coals at temperatures of almost 600 degrees Celsius in front of an audience of hundreds.

How hard could it be?

After 10 people had dashed across, it was suddenly my turn. No getting cold feet and turning back now.

Just after taking a deep breath, Instructor Scott called halt and, to my horror, I had to wait while the coals were raked and brushed to ensure they were still at the hottest temperature. The rotter

My nerves returned but I pushed through and the training worked! I walked the coals, with only a slightly warm sensation on my soles to tell me something wasn’t quite normal.

I reached the end of the line without a mark on my size fives — except for a layer of black ash — and celebrated with a few hugs from those still waiting.

Another experience ticked off my checklist and, thanks to some very generous colleagues, I raised almost £100 for Mahdlo in the process.