Leeds Mums Firewalk Challenge
The following article appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post recently...
Like most parents, these three mums would walk over hot coals to keep their children happy and safe. But this trio of brave ladies will literally complete the daring challenge when they take part in a Christmas Firewalk in Leeds later this month.
The firewalk will raise funds for Leeds Rugby Foundation and Mencap Leeds, which supports the families of Jodie Barrow, Hayley Davison and Kate Kelly, who all have children with learning disabilities.
Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow and mascot Ronnie The Rhino are also due to take part in the event, at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Monday, December 19.
Hayley, who lives in Hunslet, is mum to 18-month-old Lila and attends Leeds Mencap’s Hawthorn Family Support Centre in East End Park every Tuesday.
She said: “The Hawthorn Family Support Centre has been a welcome haven for me. I want to do as much as I can for Leeds Mencap because everyone at Leeds Mencap does as much as much as they can for my daughter and me, so that is why I am walking on hot coals even though I am petrified.”
Jodie, of Bramley – mum to 15-month-old Charlie – added: “Words can’t describe how great Leeds Mencap has been for my family. I am doing the firewalk as I want to give something back to this great charity – even though I am really nervous.”
Applications for the firewalk are still open but the last day for submitting entries is tomorrow.
The event is open to anyone who can raise at least £100 in sponsorship, with participants enduring red-hot embers burning at up to 1,236 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each firewalker will receive a two-hour motivational training session and the event will include free activities for all the family, including a bouncy castle and the chance to meet Rhinos players.
Sinead O’Brien, fundraising officer at Leeds Mencap, said: “The firewalk is going to be awe-inspiring and a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of Leeds Mencap and raise funds for two fantastic local charities.”
Gates at the firewalk open at 6.30pm, with the lighting of the fire at 7.30pm and the firewalk at 8pm.
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