Story By Charles Barbor, Camberley Rotary Club

The challenge was accepted and 45 brave volunteers stepped forward to walk on ​fire as part of an enterprising fund-raiser organised by Camberley Rotary Club ​based in Surrey.

In a bid to overcome the fundraising blues, Camberley Rotary Club offered all of ​its local charities the chance to take part in an exciting fire-walking, fund-raising ​challenge.

In the event, a whopping £16,000 was raised for seven Surrey-based charities. ​Among the charities who benefited were: Chloe's and Sophie's Special Ears ​Fund; Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice; MND Association; St Augustine’s School Appeal; ​Surrey Heath Age Concern; Helen and Douglas House – Children’s Hospice; ​Rotary charity.

Partnering with the local branch of Age Concern, Camberley Rotary Club hired in ​events experts Blaze to set up the fire-walking challenge in the grounds of St ​Augustine’s School, Frimley.

For a small entry fee charities could enter volunteers to raise funds through ​sponsorship.

 “Fundraising for small, local charities has been in the doldrums for the last three ​years,” explained Camberley Rotary Club President, Jennifer Thornton.

“We thought we could help by setting up this fabulous challenge event which ​would have been beyond the means of any smaller charity acting alone.

“We attracted a variety of charities meeting the needs of children, families and ​elderly across our local communities!”

The evening event attracted over 450 spectators who were entertained with live ​music, as well as a barbecue and refreshments. In the darkness they witnessed ​the building of the fires and then cheered on their charity champions to ‘walk on ​fire’!

Jennifer Thornton added that it is a key element of every Rotary club to support ​the charitable work of its local community and the Camberley Rotarians believe ​that this successful initiative is proof positive of what Rotary can inspire.

The Rotary club President added: “The power of multiple charities working ​together towards a shared mission can have an immeasurable impact for good.

By combining resources, knowledge, and passion, we can achieve far more than ​we could individually.

“Communities benefit greatly from this collective effort inspired by Rotary locally ​and across the world. Whether it’s through fundraising events, volunteer work, or ​raising awareness, every team can contribute in their own way.

“Together, we can make a real difference.”