A vicar led nine brave souls in a sponsored walk over burning embers at the weekend to raise more than £800 for the maintenance of his churchyard.
Rev Geoffrey Boult, of St Peter’s Church in Arlesey, boldly stepped forward as the first to walk over the burning hot wood embers on Saturday evening.
Some of those taking part in the firewalk came from outside the parish, and about 30 people turned out to cheer them on.
Joining the vicar were Helen Bardell, Liz Davies, Mick Holloway, Dave Price, Janine Tassell, Kelly Thompson, Simon Waind, Colin Williams and Comet reporter JP Asher.
Geoffrey said: “I was so grateful to the very generous and heroic volunteers who risked limb, if not life, in taking part in our sponsored firewalk.
“There’s still some more sponsorship money to come in, and we’ll certainly have made in excess of £900 for the churchyard fund.
“It was great to have the support of those who came to cheer us on, and thank you also to Arlesey Town FC for generously hosting the event. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored our volunteers.”
The firewalk, held in the car park at Arlesey Town FC, was organised by Jon Boys, of Arlesey, and Steve Consalvez – both of whom gave their time free of charge.
Steve led an hour-long training session while the bed of hot embers was prepared, passing on the secrets of firewalking. Everyone walked over the burning wood at least once, with some doing so twice.
Each participant afterwards received a commemorative St Peter’s firewalk certificate, signed by Steve and the vicar – and the evening was rounded off with drinks and a concert by Lanterne Range in the football club’s bar.
Geoffrey said afterwards: “As well as raising much-needed funds for the cause, this will have made a lasting impact on all who took part.
“The experience of learning how to do something that seems so impossible will always remain in the memory, and help one overcome other personal hurdles in various paths in life.”
To find out more or make a donation, see justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/stpeters-arlesey/firewalk.
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