Fifty fearless fundraisers took up the challenge and walked over hot coals at the Rainbow Hub Fire Walk to raise funds for the Northwest charity which supports children and young adults with physical and neurological disabilities
The event, supported by Fletchers Solicitors, took place on 6th July 2024 at the Highfield Restaurant, nr Croston and is on target to raise £10,000.
Fire-walking is an ancient tradition and a rite of passage in many cultures. It involves walking on a bed of hot coals or embers and has been used for centuries to test physical and mental limits. Millions of people have done it safely all around the world.
Rainbow Hub Fire Walk was run by a certified fire walk Instructor and film maker, Chris Jones, who has led hundreds safely across the coals over the last decade. Chris, who originates from Wigan, took a break from Mission: Impossible where he is directing second unit to lead this fire walk. Chris said, “Back in my hometown to run a spectacular fire walk for Rainbow Hub and raise thousands for a much-needed charity. Epic to take so many of your warriors over the walk.”
The fearless “warriors” came from around the Northwest including Preston, Chorley, Wigan, Southport, Liverpool and Chester. Kay White from Houghton, Preston, whose grandson Ronnie attends Rainbow Hub; Sarah Cowan from Lostock Hall; Rainbow Hub’s CEO, Lyndsay Fahey, with son Stan and daughter Caitlin, also from Lostock Hall, all braved the coals. Also taking part were long time Rainbow Hub supporter Stephanie Almond, from Chorley and Cherlene Walmsley whose child attends Rainbow Nursery also from Chorley.
Another participant, Jayne Clarke, Deputy Head at Bretherton Primary School, said, “We did it!! 1200 degrees C and so proud of daughter Lucy for giving it her all. It was for a good cause especially when you think that some children supported by Rainbow Hub may never find walking at all easy.”
And Claire Insje from Shevington, Wigan was incredibly proud of her sons, Martin (13), Luke (12) and Adam (10) saying “An absolutely phenomenal experience. I can’t imagine I would have been up for doing it at their age. They were outstanding.”
Nicola Stanwix, Leanne Devine and Alison Battersby from Fletchers Southport, who supported the event, took part and Nicola said, “it was an incredible experience, definitely a different way to spend a Saturday night.”
Other supporters included a team from Irwin Mitchell Group, Liverpool and Hannah Martin and Ash Landes from CL Medilaw.
Shahin Master, an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Through our work we often see the impact brain injuries have on children and their families, but also how they can regain more of their independence through access to specialist support and rehab. As a firm we’re committed to not only supporting our clients but also the communities in which we operate. Rainbow Hub aligns to our values and carries out tremendous work in helping families. We’re proud to have been able to take part in the event and help raise much needed funds which will make a real difference to families in the area.
Hannah Martin, speaking for Ash and herself, said, “An amazing and empowering experience that we will never forget! We had a very fun, albeit scary, evening igniting our inner warrior, walking on broken glass, AND burning hot coals for Rainbow Hub. We would like to say a special thank you to all our colleagues, family, and friends for giving so generously. The funds we have raised will help Rainbow Hub continue with the amazing work they do every day, improving the lives of children with disabilities and their families.”
Emma Parish, Corporate Relations and Events Manager, Rainbow Hub, said, “It was an amazing evening and we cannot thank everyone who took part enough for helping us to raise such a fantastic amount. Special thanks to Chris Jones who encouraged us to release our inner Wonder Woman and realise our own strength and a huge thank you to Fletchers for sponsoring the night and sending a team.”