MORE than 200 spectators watched in admiration on Saturday, October 5, when 19 brave souls walked on incredibly hot coals in Crediton’s Town Square.

The 19, ranging from teenagers to three people in their 80’s, were taking part in the Lions Club of Crediton Great Firewalk Challenge.

One did the walk in his boxers! AQ 4805
One did the walk in his boxers! AQ 4805 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Sheila raised £1,000 by taking part. AQ 4844
Sheila raised £1,000 by taking part. AQ 4844 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Lion Eric Parkes with his certificate after completing the challenge. AQ 4838
Lion Eric Parkes with his certificate after completing the challenge. AQ 4838 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A cordoned off area was created in the Town Square and onlookers gathered around it to get a view.

It was a scary sight to watch flames rise above burning wood and then the raking of the hot coals onto the pathway that those taking part had to walk.

Volunteers who collected donations with Lions President Ann Whitehouse, third left. AQ 4782
Volunteers who collected donations with Lions President Ann Whitehouse, third left. AQ 4782 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The fire walkers pose for a picture before their walk. Image: FirewalkUK
The fire walkers pose for a picture before their walk. Image: FirewalkUK (FirewalkUK)
Lion Peter Bryan, the oldest to take part and the organiser. AQ 5525
Lion Peter Bryan, the oldest to take part and the organiser. AQ 5525 (Alan Quick. Crediton Courier)

Some of the spectators who went along to watch. AQ 4832
Some of the spectators who went along to watch. AQ 4832 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

All those taking part were led through the necessary training to undertake the walk by Scott Bell, of FirewalkUK beforehand.

He welcomed the fire walkers into the square before the brave walkers turned up the heat, broke through fear barriers and took their first brave step.

Before that he took a temperature reading of the coals and announced that it was more than 580 degrees!

One person walking on the hot coals. Image: FirewalkUK
One person walking on the hot coals. Image: FirewalkUK (FirewalkUK)

With appropriate music and compering, the first person stepped forward, then others followed, all wiping their feet on a mat first and at the conclusion of the walk to wipe off any hot coals left on their feet!

Everyone walked with purpose and everyone walked across twice.

They all received a certificate to mark their achievement.

Lion John Whitehouse after completing his fire walk. AQ 5528
Lion John Whitehouse after completing his fire walk. AQ 5528 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Some of the walkers then walked for a third time, all too much applause and admiration.

The greatest cheers were for 85-year-old Lions Club member Sheila Whitehead who, the audience were told, had raised almost £1,000 towards the Lions Club of Crediton charities.

All those taking part were sponsored in the community fundraiser to support Lions Service in the community.

The oldest person taking part was the organiser, Peter Bryan, also 85 years-of-age.

Lion Eric Parkes during the challenge. AQ 5051
Lion Eric Parkes during the challenge. AQ 5051 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

He said he was thrilled that so many people took part and that the weather was fine for the event.

Lions have been in Crediton for more than 40 years, currently led by Ann Whitehouse as President for her second year.

Lions meet monthly and provide service to the community in a wide variety of ways.

Ann said: “I am so proud of all those who took part, it really was a spectacle to watch and I extend huge praise to Peter for his organisation of the event on our behalf.”

It is not too late to make a donation.Sheila’s donation page can be found at: https://shorturl.at/oi8uV .

You can also contact Peter by email at: [email protected].