It’s a blustery Friday evening, so what better way to spend it than walking across burning embers in aid of charity? Well, it’s a bit different from your average evening down the pub, isn’t it? Think of it as a sort of interactive bonfire night.

Chez Nous was the venue for a sponsored fire walk in aid of Sweet Peas, the mother and toddler group for children with special needs, with barbeque food on hand to sustain the crowd which had turned out to walk and to support. First there was the building and lighting of the fire, with some scary moments as the wind fanned the flames. Then it was back indoors for some motivation and inspiration from Ian Palmer and his team from Castle PD, including a session of wood chopping, by hand!

Once the fire had died down and the embers were glowing, then it was back outdoors for the main event, remembering the Dos ( walk normally) and Don’ts ( shout "Ow, it’s hot!"). Ian went first to prove that it wasn’t all a hoax, and then one by one the others followed, glowing with triumph rather than heat as they successfully walked the walk.

The party continued with Champagne and cake to celebrate everyone’s achievement, not least of which was the raising of over £2,000 for Sweet Peas. Congratulations on a really different and worthwhile evening.