Face the flames and take on an epic firewalk challenge for Helen & Douglas House! Support your local hospice by braving the elements and walking over hot coals at our special event.
By taking on the firewalk you will receive:
- A Helen & Douglas House t-shirt
- Fundraising tips and resources
- A completion certificate
The event will be hosted by UK Firewalk, one of the UK’s leading firewalking companies.
You will be trained by Scott Bell, a two-time Guinness World Record holder for the greatest distance walked on fire. It will then be your turn to walk across the piping hot coals (with temperatures reaching over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bring your friends and family too! They can watch you walk and there will be plenty of food and entertainment onsite to enjoy.
It really will be an incredible night.
FAQs
- What is a firewalk?
- Is it a trick?
- Will it hurt?
- Is it safe?
- Will I be hypnotised?
- How should I prepare?
- Who can take part?
- Are there any medical restrictions?
- What should I wear?
- Can I bring my dog?
- Timings
Participants will undergo training of around one hour. When the fire has burned to red-hot embers it is raked level and prepared for the walk. Participants go to the fire, remove their footwear and are invited to walk the coals one by one.
No – the fire is very much real. The embers will be glowing red-hot and we can often measure the temperature at around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. You will have bare feet, and they will not be treated in any way.
The sensation is described by some as walking on eggshells, and others as walking on hot sand. Each walker has their own experience. We have not known walkers to experience pain and when the opportunity arises many will walk across the coals more than once.
There is an inherent risk in any activity involving fire. It is important that participants pay attention to all the training and heed the advice and instruction of the trainer, firewatchers and spotters. Whilst absolute safety is not guaranteed, proper procedure reduces risk to the achievable minimum.
No. There is no hypnotism involved. You will be fully awake at all times – indeed you will be more alert than usual. You may also withdraw at any time if you wish.
There is no preparation needed for this event and training will be provided on the day.
Please abstain from the consumption of alcohol or drugs before the event. Anyone who the trainer believes is unfit to participate will NOT be permitted to take part.
Please ensure your feet are clean and free from massage and pedicure oils.
The event is open to all. Anyone over the age of 12 can participate (children must have parental/guardian consent). UK Fire Walk and Helen & Douglas House reserve the right to stop anyone participating if they do not sensibly partake in the safety briefing.
There is no strenuous physical exercise involved. If you can walk normally then you should manage the Firewalk perfectly well. If you have any doubts please consult your GP before attending.
We have many firewalk participants who are pregnant, have diabetes, are stroke survivors, or are blind, among other conditions. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to take part, please seek advice from your doctor.
There is no special clothing required. Casual comfortable clothes are best. Please remember fires can be quite dirty and clothes may become ash stained.
Footwear needs to be easy to remove and will need to be placed back on your feet before you go back indoors so bringing a hand towel is useful. Flip-flops are a good idea, especially if the ground is cold. Nail varnish and toe rings are fine.
We will provide you with a branded Helen & Douglas House t-shirt.
Dogs are not allowed on site at this event. Although Tilsley Park includes some public access areas in which dogs are allowed, the event will be taking place in a private section of the park and dogs are not allowed on this area of the site.
From 4pm onwards. Exact timings for the event will be confirmed shortly.
Laura, who took part in a firewalk with UK Firewalk
“I just wanted to say a HUGGGE thank you from everyone at Arada for the fantastic firewalking event last night. It was a great event, lovely atmosphere and a really excellent team-building exercise! Everyone was still speaking about it this morning!”
Take on the firewalk to help care for local children like Jack
Jack first came to Helen & Douglas House after suffering from severe brain damage from being starved of oxygen after being born six weeks early. At a frightening and uncertain time for his family, the hospice greeted them with warmth and care and gave them the confidence to deal with Jack’s needs. Staying at the hospice gives Jack and his family the chance to recharge and spend time together.
Mary, Jack’s Mum said – “Without Helen & Douglas House we would be exhausted. We would be lost without their help. It is such a relief to walk through the door. Helen & Douglas House is an amazing place. Until you are in this situation, you don’t know you will need the help of a charity like Helen & Douglas House. Everyone expects if you need this support it will be there but unless people donate money it won’t be there for families like ours.”
Jack and his mum, Mary, both came to the Firewalk event last year. Mary was given the honour of lighting the flames!
Contact us
Find out more about the Firewalk event by getting in touch Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
You can call us on 01865 799166 or send an email to events@helenanddouglas.org.uk.