DOZENS of brave fundraisers put their best foot forward for a good cause, walking barefoot across burning embers to raise more than £10,500 for an NHS charity.
A total of 43 people took on the challenge at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust’s headquarters in Ashton-under-Lyne on Monday, November 2.
The event raised an impressive £10,509 for Pennine Care Charity, which supports mental health, learning disability and autism services across Tameside, Oldham and other parts of Greater Manchester.
After receiving safety training from experienced professionals, participants faced their fears and stepped across a bed of glowing hot coals.
Among those taking part were Trusha Velji and Megan Grimes, from Touch Solicitors in Chadderton, who raised more than £550 between them.
Trusha said: “Megan and I really enjoyed our first ever fire walk. We decided it was time to try something new and raise money for charity.
“We support a lot of people who experience difficulties with their mental health, so it’s really fitting with what we do as a firm.
“It was an incredible experience and thankfully our feet survived.”
Fellow fundraiser Sharon Hallett described the evening as an unforgettable experience.
She said: “It was an amazing night – the setup, the atmosphere – everything was perfect and enabled us to enjoy it as much as we did.
“I’m so happy that we raised that amount of money for a cause that is close to my heart.”
The money will help fund projects and activities that go beyond core NHS provision, improving the experiences of patients, families and carers.
Previous initiatives supported by Pennine Care Charity include sensory and relaxation spaces on mental health wards, music and sports sessions, gardening groups and activities for people living with dementia.
Wes Partington, Pennine Care Charity Director, thanked everyone who stepped up to the challenge.
He said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge, supported our fundraisers and helped us raise such a fantastic amount.
“The money raised will make a real difference to the wellbeing of Pennine Care patients and people in our local communities.
“We’re already looking forward to bringing everyone together for another fire walk next year.”
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability and autism services across Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop.
For more information about the charity and its work, visit www.penninecarecharity.org.uk.