Firewalkers raise thousands for Rockinghorse

Thursday 24 March 2011

Last Friday (18 March), brave supporters did the unthinkable and walked over burning hot coals (without shoes!) to raise money for Rockinghorse.

The firewalk, which took part at Priory Park in Reigate, was a huge success and firewalkers raised over £5,000 for the charity that helps sick and disabled children across Sussex and Surrey, with sponsorship money still coming in.

Guests enjoyed an evening of local entertainment including performances by a steel and samba band, a folk singer, a fire hoola hoopa and a fire-juggling jester.

Ria Wilson, Rockinghorse Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Before the walk, we had a two-hour learn or burn seminar, where we found out how to put mind over matter. The tricks we learned are secret! But they had a lot to do with positive thinking.

“It was a real bonding experience, fantastic atmosphere and I’m still feeling very buoyed by the experience. The entertainment was great and the music really set the pace for the evening. We all wanted to do it again! Thanks to everyone who took part and to all the fantastic entertainers.”

Alice Backhouse, age 24 from Horley, said: “On the day I was a little nervous but knew I had to do it as I had raised nearly £900 pounds, so really had no choice! The workshop was great fun and got the whole group ready.

“The coals were genuinely red hot and there was no trickery involved so it was a real buzz to walk across them with everyone cheering and friends and family watching, knowing that it was all to help sick and disabled children in the local community. I plan to do more fundraising for Rockinghorse and I’m now thinking about a sponsored skydive!”

All money raised from the event will go towards helping the charity to provide a high dependency unit for the children’s ward at East Surrey Hospital, as well as helping to create a specialised sensory playroom for the young people who use Beeches Respite Centre in Reigate.

Stuart Ritchie, 37, works in Reigate and owns business NowMakeMoney.co.uk. He said: “Wow! What an outstanding experience. We were all so lucky to be able to help an amazing charity...and to be able to experience something as incredible as walking on 1,236 degree Fahrenheit burning hot coals (and surviving!) at the same time is just incredible. Thank you Rockinghorse!”

Rockinghorse would like to thank everyone who took part (and came out despite the rain) for making it such a great event. To view photos from the evening, please click here. Many thanks to DG Studios, Horsham.

To find out more about our events, call 01273 730286.