12 February 2025

Firewalk to raise money for Ruben’s Voice

By Rebecca Hannant

A Hedon-based non-profit organisation is gearing up for a Lego, glass and fire walk in memory of teenager Ruben Ferrol – and is inviting sports clubs, schools and businesses to get involved.

Ruben, 18, of Hedon, was described as a very popular teenager who was loved by his family and wide circle of friends. However, his family said he didn’t speak out about his mental health, nor seek any support, and he took his own life on April 14, 2021.

After his death, his mother Katy Smith set up Ruben’s Voice, which is aimed at helping children, teens and adults with their mental health and raises awareness through a series of events and activities for themselves and the community. The non-profit also signposts individuals to a range of services in the area.

Each year, to commemorate the anniversary of Ruben’s death, the organisation has organised extreme challenges aimed at raising awareness and donations, including “walking a million steps to try to save a million tears” and walking 18 miles to mark Ruben’s age. Supporters have also climbed a mountain, and last year they leaped from an aeroplane at 10,000ft.

This year, they have teamed up with the Fundraising Firewalk Association to organise a firewalk at the Ruben’s Voice Wellbeing Hub, in Drapers Lane, Hedon, on Sunday, April 13.

Katy said: “This year we have decided to walk over fire, glass and Lego and we would like to invite our local schools, sports teams and businesses to get involved too.

“We are keen to encourage people of all ages, including children, to challenge themselves, get involved in local events and really live their lives to the full.”

The minimum age for fire and glass walking is 14, and children over the age of five can walk a path of Lego if they can participate in the training provided and their parent or guardian signs a waiver. The Fundraising Firewalk Association is fully certified, safe and experienced.

Anyone wishing to do the walk will be given prior training and help will be on hand during the walk.

Katy added: “As always, this event is being organised to raise awareness and is fully funded by Ruben’s Voice.

“I am aware, though, that lots of our local families give Ruben’s Voice a huge amount of support, so we will provide sponsor forms for anyone who would like to participate and suggest they try to fundraise a small amount, but there’s no pressure to do so. Coaches and parents are also welcomed to lead by example if they would like to. I’m sure the kids would be thrilled to watch!

“Unfortunately, as our events are free, we frequently have people sign up for our challenges and cancel at the last minute. This is frustrating as we pay for a set number of places and don’t like to see them wasted, so it’d be a big help if only people who are fully committed to the challenge sign up to do it.”

To sign up, contact Ruben’s Voice via the Facebook page.