Charity event is really hot stuff (From Swindon Advertiser)

Fundraisers walk over hot coals to raise cash for Prospect Hospice

10:42am Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

WET weather failed to put out the fire in the hearts of fundraisers last night.

Fifty brave volunteers walked on fire at the Alexandra House Hotel, Wroughton, in a Halloween-themed fundraising event for Prospect Hospice.

The firewalk saw participants being sponsored to walk barefoot over burning embers, at temperatures that can reach almost 600 degrees centigrade.

First to brave the hot coals was 28-year-old Fiona Dargavel, from Old Town.

She said: “It was warm. I was nervous before doing it, especially as I was the first one up but it was amazing.

“I believe in supporting local charities and the Prospect Hospice is a fantastic cause.”

Jacqueline Day, 78, from Froxfield was the oldest participant when she finally took on a challenge that had eluded her for nearly 50 years.

She said: “It was exhilarating. In my life I have had many inexplicable experiences, and I firmly believe there is more to the mind and body that we can ever imagine.

“Not only that, but I have had five loved ones die of cancer, and I would have loved for them to have experienced the care that hospices give.”

Thirty-two-year-old Neil Myers, from Rodbourne, is used to dealing with fire in his job as a bush craft instructor.

He said: “I was quietly confident because I deal with fire every day and I studied the science of it.

“I am a firm supporter of Prospect, I have family and friends who have been supported by them and they are a good local charity.”

The event also included a Halloween party for family and friends with traditional festive activities including apple-bobbing and a pumpkin carving competition.

Sheryl Crouch, fundraising organiser at Prospect Hospice, said: “We really appreciate all the support that has been shown tonight.

“It is great to see people challenging themselves. We also want to thank Nationwide who have sponsored the event and ensured that all the money made goes straight into the hospice.”

Last year’s firewalk raised nearly £8,000 towards the costs of the hospice, which looks after 1,850 patients and their families in the local area every year.