STEPPING on coals and broken glass may be daunting but compared to the weeks and months spent fighting a terminal illness it is a walk in the park.

Prospect Hospice will host its second annual Fire and Glass Walk on November 2 and staff are daring fundraisers to conquer their fears and sign up.

Last year, 43 participants tackled the hair-raising walk and collected no less than £15,000 for their efforts.

It is hoped even more thrill-seekers will enter Fire and Glass this year and help to secure tens of thousands of pounds towards the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Among those who will throw caution to the wind in aid of the 160 Appeal will be Louise Fernandes, sales and marketing co-ordinator at the Advertiser.

While some of her colleagues preferred to take on marathons or organise bake sales, the 49-year-old chose a soupcon of danger to up the ante and raise valuable funds for the hospice that cared for her mother Joyce Hirons.

She said: “I lost my mum to stomach cancer and she spent a short time at Prospect Hospice.

“It was liver cancer and then spread to her stomach. She was 61.”

She said the experience meant she wanted to do something to help the hospice.

She said: “I wanted to do something different. You can do a walk or a cycle ride but I wanted to do something more unusual and more challenging.

“I haven’t got a clue what it is going to be like but I’m not nervous.

“I’m going to give it a go. I’m up for a challenge.”

Head of fundraising at Prospect, Sheryl Crouch, said: “The Fire and Glass Walk is all about mind over matter, and it is great to watch people overcome their natural fear of burning hot coals and broken glass through mental capabilities they don’t even know that they have.

“I know that many of the people who have taken part in the past have felt an enormous sense of achievement once they’ve completed it, and it’s a great way to raise funds for Prospect Hospice.

“It’s great fun too, because a lot of people come along to support those who take part.”

Participants will be expected at Alexandra House in Wroughton at 5.30pm on Sunday, November 2.

To register go to www.prospect-hospice.net/fundraising-events/fireandglasswalk. Registration costs just £30 and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £150.