2 Apr 2024 Community

Over 30 people walked on fire for The Kirkwood

Over 30 people walked on fire for The Kirkwood last month as they raised thousands for charity. The group who took on the challenge at Hub 26 in Cleckheaton were faced with a 20 foot walkway that burned hot embers at over 1000 degrees.

Supporters went through a one hour training course before taking on the challenge. Then they were faced with the walk, all the people who took on the challenge on Saturday evening completed it with flying colours. 

The group collectively raised over £7,000 for charity in what was a magnificent achievement. Those funds will go a long way to supporting people across Kirklees who are living with a life limiting illness.

One person who took on the walk was The Kirkwood's Media and Marketing Officer Steven Downes who raised over £300 towards the grand total. He was delighted with his own fundraising but he was even more pleased that he completed a challenge he thought he'd never do. 

He said: “Firstly I'm so pleased that as a group we raised collectively over £7,000. That is such a magnificent effort. I see on a daily basis how those funds will help people. 

“I was slightly nervous before the walk as I didn't know what to expect. When we watched them burn the wood that was when things started to get real. 

“Taking that first step was difficult because you are stepping on something that your brain tells you, you shouldn't. It was great to cheer on everyone and we were all delighted we'd completed it. 

“What was nice was the fact we had people from all across Kirklees come to take on the challenge. I would urge anyone to give this once a lifetime experience a go.” 

The Kirkwood community fundraiser Julia Owen commented: “Firstly thanks to everyone who came along to support our firewalkers it was a brilliant evening and great to see so many people there cheering them on. Thanks to Hub 26 for hosting the event and also thanks to Blaze the firewalling company for making everyone safe and creating such a fabulous experience. 

“Finally a huge thanks to our firewalkers they did an amazing job and were very brave taking on the challenge. To raise over £7,000 is just amazing and they should all be very proud. Those funds will go a long way to helping us care for anyone with a life limiting illness in Kirklees.”