Brave fundraisers walked over burning embers at the Arlesey village fete at the weekend to raise almost £1,500 for two good causes.
The total raised by the walk at the village’s recreation ground will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Arlesey Community Events Group, to help fund next year’s fete.
Arlesey town councillor and community events group committee member Sandra Sarll was among the fundraisers, who were coached free of charge by instructor Jon Boys.
Sandra said: “I’m so proud of all who did the walk on Saturday. As part of the training session ahead of the walk, I was able to snap an arrow with my throat. Believe it or not I felt such an achievement then that I found the firewalk much easier than I ever thought possible.
“I’m already asking myself what else I want to achieve, and just feeling totally high on all counts. Raising money was the reason I signed up, but I got something out of this too – so win-win all round.”
Fellow firewalker Sharon McBride said: “This is one of the best things I’ve ever done. In fact, I found it difficult to sleep Saturday night just thinking about it.”
Other attractions at the fete included birds of prey, a dog show, Stotfold Twirlers, a balloon race and more. A Spitfire flypast had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Dulcie McLerie told the Comet: “To answer the most asked questions – yes it was hot. It wasn’t a trick and my feet are fine.
“Just as I walked up to the coals, I heard a young voice behind me say ‘I’d like to do that’ – and to that person I’d say do it. You won’t regret it.
“Something I wasn’t expecting was how emotional I’d feel afterwards. I really am invincible!
“Speaking for all of us that firewalked, we’d like to thank everyone that sponsored us, both online and in the buckets on the day, as that’s what it was all about – raising funds for two very worthy causes.”
Jon Boys, who managed the firewalk, added: “It’s amazing what humans are capable of once they stop letting their emotions hold them back. I think the amount raised by just eight people is phenomenal – I couldn’t be prouder.”
The fete as a whole has been hailed a great success, with enquiries already coming about next year’s event on September 1, 2018.
Sam Ward, one of the organisers, said: ““I am delighted by how well the fete went. There was a great atmosphere and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“I am so proud of the team that is the Arlesey Community Events Group and what we have managed to achieve.”
If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can still give money at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/arlesey-events-group.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here