Five members of staff from Derwen College took on a fiery fundraising challenge at Whittington Castle, raising more than £800 for Derwen Charity, which supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Justine Bradey, Claire Edge, Sue Lake, Cath Cyples and Katie Hindle walked barefoot across hot embers during a professionally organised firewalk at the castle on Saturday 28 March.
The funds raised will help Derwen Charity to provide extra opportunities, skills and experiences that support young people with SEND to build confidence and work towards becoming more independent adults.
Bryony Wesson, Fundraiser at Derwen College, said: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone for embracing the firewalk challenge, and an even greater thank you for the incredible funds they’ve raised. It was truly amazing to witness everyone on the challenge and to see the excitement they felt afterwards.”
One of the firewalk participants, Justine Bradey, described the experience as both dramatic and empowering. She said: “Walking on fire gave me the rush I was looking for without the terror of heights,” she said. “It’s dramatic, it’s daring and, most importantly, it’s at sea level. I’m thrilled to have raised funds for Derwen Charity, and I’m so grateful to everyone who sponsored me. Crossing those embers really helped me stop talking myself out of things – my new mantra is just do it!”
Fellow participant Cath Cyples said the challenge pushed her in unexpected ways.
“It’s really weird to describe – I felt nothing the first time,” she said. “The second time was more painful because I didn’t focus as much, but I did it twice. It was challenging, but really empowering.”
Connor Barker, whose younger sister Amy is a student at Derwen College, supported the fundraising on the day by running a tombola stall. Connor is taking on the London Marathon this year after securing a charity place through Derwen Charity, and is aiming to raise £2,000.
The event supported six local charities and attracted hundreds of spectators, with additional activities including axe throwing, archery, live music, stalls and refreshments.
Derwen College is a specialist further education college in Shropshire for young people aged 16–25 with SEND, including autism. Derwen Charity supports the College by funding additional experiences and opportunities that help students and clients to progress and thrive. To find out more about Derwen Charity’s work, or to taking part in future fundraising events – including our upcoming Derwen 10km Challenge on Saturday 18 April – visit https://www.derwen.ac.uk/charity/
