Firewalk for Helen & Douglas House
Join us at Ignite the Night for a fundraising firewalk, fire dancer, food and festivities!
Ignite your courage. Take on our empowering firewalk challenge and walk barefoot over hot coals (with temperatures reaching over 1,000 Fahrenheit) in support of your local children’s hospice.
Bring your friends and family along too for an evening of fiery fun. They can cheer you on whilst you complete the walk, and there will be plenty of food and entertainment on-site to enjoy.
Will you face the flames? Register your interest today.
What will happen on the night?
The event will be hosted by UK Firewalk, one of the UK’s leading firewalking companies.
You will receive an hour of training from Scott Bell, a two-time Guinness World Record holder for the greatest distance walked on fire.
When the fire has burned to red-hot embers, it will be raked level and prepared for the walk. Then, you will go to the fire and be invited to walk barefoot across the coals one by one.
Firewalkers will receive:
- A Helen & Douglas House t-shirt
- Fundraising tips and resources
- A completion certificate
After completing the firewalk, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the food and entertainment we have on offer.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the firewalk for Helen and Douglas House. It was an enormous sense of achievement, there was a wonderful community spirit, and all the participants shared in the fun. Raising money for charity topped off an unforgettable event!”
– A firewalker from last year’s event
Firewalk at Ignite the Night to help care for local children like Jack
Jack suffered severe brain damage after being born six weeks early. At a frightening and uncertain time for his family, Helen & Douglas House welcomed 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.
Until you are in this situation, you don’t know you will need the help of a charity like Helen & Douglas House. Everyone expects that if you need this support, it will be there, but unless people donate money, it won’t be there for families like ours.”
Firewalk FAQs
Who can take part?
The event is open to all. Anyone over the age of 12 can participate in the firewalk (under 18s must have parental/guardian consent). UK Firewalk 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.
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.
What should I wear?
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.
Please ensure your feet are clean and free from massage and pedicure oils.
We will provide you with a branded Helen & Douglas House t-shirt.
Is it safe?
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.
Please abstain from the consumption of alcohol or drugs before the event. Anyone whom the trainer believes is unfit to participate will NOT be permitted to take part.
Is it a trick?/Will I be hypnotised?
No, it is not a trick. 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.
There is no hypnotism involved. You will be fully awake at all times – indeed, you will be more alert than usual.
Will it hurt?
The sensation is described by some as walking on eggshells, and others as walking on hot sand. Each walker has their own experience, and you may withdraw at any time if you wish.
We have not known walkers to experience pain, and when the opportunity arises, many will walk across the coals more than once.
Contact us
Find out more about the Firewalk and Ignite the Night event by getting in touch Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
You can call us on 01865 799166 or send an email to [email protected].