Hot footing for charity

A Newtown man is challenging fellow townsfolk to try a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise vital funds for charity.

 

Dougie Bancroft is walking on coals on March 26 to raise money for Self Help Africa, a Shrewsbury-based charity which is looking for volunteers to take part in the walk at RAF Cosford.

 

“Walking over hot coals is one way of demonstrating your loyalty to a cause,” said Dougie. “We have seven volunteers signed up to date, but are hoping to more than double that number before next month’s event.

 

“Participants will be required to walk for up to 20ft along a path of red hot embers. All those taking part will be prepared both mentally and physically for the challenge at a motivational workshop that will be held prior to the actual challenge.

 

“None of us has done anything like this before, and it’s a bit daunting when you’re told that the fire will be blazing at a temperature in excess of 800 degrees Fahrenheit when you walk onto the coals!”

 

Self Help Africa is an international development agency that supports rural communities to grow more food and earn a sustainable living. The agency, which has its headquarters in Shrewbury, works in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Dougie Bancroft can be contacted at Self Help Africa’s Shrewsbury office on 07538 079137 or by e-mail at : dougie.bancroft@selfhelpafrica.org