ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO WALK OVER HOT COALS FOR THE KENT MS THERAPY CENTRE?

On Sunday 13th March 2022 we will be hosting a FIREWALK and are looking for brave people to cross the burning hot red embers which are around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit!

The walk will take place at the Kent MS Therapy Centre from 7pm. You will receive an online information and safety briefing prior to the event date.

There is a maximum of 100 places available for this challenge, so get signed up now to avoid disappointment! Registration costs £25 per person (non-refundable) and each walker is expected to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship in aid of the Centre.  There will be a great prize for the highest fundraiser! 

If you are booking your place to raise money for Thanet Age UK - please select 'General Admission (Thanet Age UK)' at the checkout. 

If you are booking your place to raise money for Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne - please select 'General Admission (Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne)' at the checkout.

Each walker must be aged 12 years or over on the day of the event and those aged 17 or under need to be accompanied by an adult – this person does not need to be registered/take part in the Firewalk.

Depending on Government Guidelines - To make sure this is a safe event and that it can still go ahead under government guidelines, you will be given online training and information prior to the walk, rather than in person indoors, so that the whole event will take place outdoors to ensure social distancing measure are in place. All attendees will be required to adhere to social distancing and stay at least 1 meter apart. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms must not attend the event.

FIREWALKING FAQ

WHAT EXACTLY IS A FIREWALK?
The participants will undergo training of around one hour. When the fire has burned to red-hot embers it is raked level and prepared for the walk. Participants go to the fire – remove their footwear and one by one are invited to walk the coals.

IS IT A TRICK? No. The fire is very real. The embers will be glowing red-hot – we can often measure the temperature at around 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. You will have bare feet, and they will not have been treated in any way.

WILL IT HURT? The sensation is described by some as walking on eggshells, others as walking on hot sand. Each walker has his or her own experience. I have not known walkers to experience pain, indeed when the opportunity arises many will walk across the coals more than once.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE? There is no preparation to undertake. No treatment of the feet or mental exercise, just the training provided at the seminar. You should abstain from the consumption of alcohol or drugs prior to the event. Any person who is in the opinion of the trainer unfit to participate will NOT be permitted to take part.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? There is no strenuous physical exercise involved. If you can walk normally then you should manage the Firewalk perfectly well. If you have any doubts, please consult your GP before attending.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? There is no special clothing required. Casual comfortable clothes are best. Please remember fires can be quite dirty and clothes may become ash stained. Footwear needs to be easy to remove and will need to be replaced before going back indoors so a hand towel might be a good idea. Flip flops are a good idea, especially if the ground is cold. Nail varnish and toe rings are fine.

MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS? We have many people walk who were pregnant, has diabetes, Stroke survivors, Blind and many other conditions. None have been an issue, however we always recommend if in doubt seek advice from your doctor.

IS IT SAFE? There is an inherent risk in any activity involving fire. It is important that participants pay attention to all the training and heed the advice and instruction of the trainer, firewatchers and spotters. Whilst absolute safety is not guaranteed proper procedure reduces risk to the achievable minimum.

WILL I BE HYPNOTISED? No. There is no hypnotism involved. You will be fully awake at all times – indeed you will be more alert than usual. You may also withdraw at any time if you wish.

AGE RESTRICTIONS? 12 years +. All we ask if under 18 that they are mature enough to listen to the training and will require a parent or guardian to sign a form.

ALL WALKERS SHOULD READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE GUIDELINES BEFORE STARTING A FIREWALK:

• Walkers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• All walkers should be well hydrated (drink plenty of water).
• If you are tired, stressed or recovering from illness you will be less focused and have an increased risk of receiving a blister.
• Please ensure your feet are clean and free from massage and pedicure oils.
• No one is forced to walk on fire and we will not allow peer pressure.
• Firewalking can be dangerous, however UK FIREWALK have never had a walker who has required medical treatment from our charity, public or corporate events.

If you require any further information visit http://www.ukfirewalk.com or email fundraising@kentmstc.org