Myeloma UK Charity Firewalk Raises over £10,000

by | May 22, 2019

The Myeloma UK Charity Firewalk on Bank Holiday Monday saw 53 brave people, sure foot it over a bed of hot coals with temperatures of around 500°C, raising over £10,000.

A team of four, rallied together to organise the event and show support for their close friend/family member Natasha Westall, who after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in the Summer of 2017, and enduring several rounds of chemotherapy and a brutal course of radiotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant, left Natasha feeling very low mentally and physically weak.  Whilst in Southampton’s cancer treatment unit, and questioning herself, as to whether she had made the right choice about the treatment.  Natasha and her Sister in Law Sarah had a conversation along the lines of:

Sarah; “Of course I don’t mind driving an hour and half to see you!! If it were me in hospital battling Cancer and asking that question, what would you say!??  

To which Natasha replied; I’d walk on hot coals for you!!”  

And there you have it! The light bulb moment arose!

Myeloma UK Charity Firewalk Exceeded Expectations

Sarah – main organiser of the event said:

“Not in a million years did I ever imagine we could raise near on £10,000! On the day, I could see the online ‘Just-giving’ page total skipping up, as pictures were being posted on social media, and when I saw the sea of people that had arrived to watch as we came out of the Primary school hall in Shipley, West Sussex where we had more mental preparation rather than training, I knew it was going to be a good day, and dared to believe we could reach £7k but to raise over £10,000! That’s phenomenal!

The hot coals walk itself for me was fine; it was the broken glass walking they sprung on us in training that scared me beyond belief. But I focused on why I was there, and took the steps needed, (Gingerly in the case of the broken glass!), to cross a  path that was more a mind over matter, rather than skill, as we learnt from the specialist Firewalking company  ‘Firewalking International’ that day!”

The Myeloma UK Charity Firewalk has raised vital funds which will support those affected by ‘Multiple Myeloma’ (an incurable terminal illness that attacks your body’s immune system) and research into treatment. The event also supported other charities such as The Rocking Horse Appeal and the British Heart Foundation by people who took part to raise money and awareness for their own personal causes.

A word of thanks!

Lastly, none of this would have happened without #TeamTash, (Mike, Zoe, Natalie and Sarah) the support of Mrs Harvey, School Principal, who provided the school grounds for free for the event, sponsorship from businesses such as Dark Star Brewery, Cabin Pressure Spirits, Richard Killner Bespoke Woodwork, Meadow Arts face painting, help and support from numerous friends and family who gave up their time for the event, and all those who donated!

Photo credit: Fynn Dodd
Article by Sarah Cuthbertson

Finally, from all of us at Firewalk HQ, thank you to Sarah and TeamTash for making this such an easy event to organise, and to everyone invloved, Firewalkers, Supporters, and Supporters. It was a pleasure to be part of this.

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