SPONSORED FEATURE
Four members of the Gazette team are preparing to walk barefoot across hot coals to help fund potentially lifesaving equipment for Withernsea’s seafront.
Sam, Zoe, John and Sally have signed up for mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson’s firewalk on Friday, November 6, joining a growing line-up of residents, businesses and community groups supporting her Coastal Community Safety initiative.
There are now 78 people signed up, leaving just 22 of the 100 available places for anyone who fancies joining us.
It sounded like a good idea when we agreed to it…
There is, of course, a serious purpose behind the challenge. Money raised will go towards installing throw lines along Withernsea’s promenade, helping provide equipment that could one day save a life.
Kristina launched the Coastal Community Safety initiative at the beginning of her civic year, choosing to bring fundraising, practical projects and community partnerships together around a shared cause rather than selecting one traditional mayor’s charity.
Her aim is for the work undertaken during her year as mayor to leave a lasting benefit for the town.
The Gazette team is hoping readers will support our contribution to that effort. There is no minimum amount we have to raise, so we’re simply asking people to give whatever they can.
Donations through our JustGiving page, after any JustGiving processing fees, will be passed to the Mayor’s Coastal Community Safety initiative for the throw-line project.
Every contribution will help towards the wider fundraising effort, with money raised by all the teams combining to support improvements to coastal safety.
Among those preparing to take part alongside the Gazette are Kristina herself and representatives from Withernsea Town Council, Richardson’s Electrical & Mechanical Services, Shores Homecare, Rosey Leaf Cafe, Friends of St Nicholas Church, Withernsea Lions and Premier Shop N Save Withernsea.
Mam! Ah’m ‘ere! Pizzeria, Withernsea Bikers and Patrington Haven, Withernsea Dream Makers and the Golden Haddock are also among those involved.
The Castle Cafe and Withernsea Mermaids have pledged teams, while discussions are under way with TownSMART, Tesco, the Pier Hotel, WAFVBC, the Shores Centre and Friends of the Lighthouse.
The firewalk will begin at 6pm as part of the Coastal Community Safety Event, with walkers gathering from 5pm for compulsory training and a safety briefing.
It will be professionally led by the Fundraising Firewalk Association, whose team will guide participants across the prepared hot embers.
No special physical training is required beforehand, although anyone with concerns about their medical fitness should seek appropriate advice.
Walkers must follow the professional team’s instructions throughout and must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There is no joining fee for the mayor’s team and no minimum fundraising target for individual walkers – just encouragement to do what they can.
With 22 places remaining, there is still time to step forward and join us.
And if you would prefer to support us from a safe distance, we would be very grateful. If nothing else, you’ll get to enjoy seeing four members of the Gazette team willingly walk over hot coals.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gazette-team-firewalk
Take the challenge!
Firewalk: Friday, November 6
Coastal Community Safety event culminating in fireworks display: 4pm-7pm
Firewalker briefing: From 5pm
Firewalk: 6pm
Places available: 100
Confirmed at time of going to press: 78
Places remaining: 22
There is no sign-up fee and no minimum sponsorship amount for Kristina’s firewalk team.
Money raised will go towards installing throw lines along Withernsea’s promenade.
Individuals can take part or businesses, clubs, organisations and groups can put together their own teams.
To register your interest, email [email protected] with the subject line: Mayor’s Fire Walk.
What to expect
Participants receive professional training and a full safety briefing before walking barefoot over prepared hot embers.
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear that is easy to remove. Flip-flops may also be useful for before and after the walk.
Walkers should arrive well hydrated and must not consume alcohol or recreational drugs beforehand.
Anyone unsure whether a medical condition could affect their participation should seek advice before taking part.
And remember – nobody is forced to walk. Participants can withdraw if they decide the first fiery step is one step too far.
