Erskine Firewalk at Grant Park raises over £4000 for Veterans Activity Centre in Forres

A total of 23 brave soles took part in a challenge to raise funds for a new wellbeing centre opening next month.

After an hour of motivational talks, the challengers walked over 1200F-hot coals at Grant Park in aid of the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC), to open in the former Victoria Hotel, Tytler Street, Forres.

Erskine fundraising and development manager, Michael Parkes, confirmed over £4000 has been raised so far in sponsorship.

He said: “A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone that made the very first Erskine Forres Firewalk a very special night on Remembrance Sunday!

“What a fantastic evening it was for everyone, made all the more poignant by the event being in aid of the new centre.”

Leisure assistant, Babs Stuart, completed the walk - twice - with family members who were in the military in mind.

She said: “In the lead up, we ensured there were no creams or lotions on our feet, and no alcohol was to be consumed for 24 hours … for obvious reasons!

“We had a health and safety talk from Scott Bell of the UK Firewalk Group, a holder of two Guinness world records for firewalks.

“He explained that it’s all mind over matter, pointing out that it’s just six steps so take a deep breath and go for it!”

As the group was piped in, Babs realised that she would be one of the first pairs to walk.

She said: “Even though the temperature measured 598°, I didn’t feel any heat! It felt like not-so-sharp gravel at the end of the 15ft stretch. - I made sure that I wiped my feet in case there were any coals between my toes.

“My adrenaline was going so I went for it a second time!”

Babs family has strong military links: her grandfather was one of the engineers who expanded an aerodrome at Gibraltar during the Second World War; her great uncle was a minesweeper; her great aunt was in the womens’ army; her twin brother William served 23 years in the RAF, with three tours of Afghanistan; and his stepson was severely affected by what he experience in the army aged just 18.

“Erskine help veterans adjust to life after service,” said Babs. “Raising funds hasn’t been an issue - I’ve talked to a lot of people about the event. So far, I’ve raised £280 though I still have people wanting to donate via paper sponsorship forms.”

She finished: “I can’t believe I did the walk twice! But I’d do it again. It was amazing way to finish off the year I turned 50!”

Social care assistant, Brenda MacDonald, went one further and did the walk three times!

She said: “It was easy! I didn’t feel the heat of the coals under my feet, in fact, standing on the wet, cold grass was worse because they were getting numb.”

Brenda also believes the talk the challengers received from firewalk world record holder Scott Bell was inspirational.

She said: “Scott gave us a motivational talk then did the walk first. I was next - it was exhilarating!

“I was on a high when it was over and I could've walked over the coals many more times! Maybe I should try and beat the Guinness World Record?”

With the help of best friend and fellow carer, Catherine McKenzie, Brenda raised an amazing £760 for Erskine.

Brenda added: “My daughter’s fiancé, Kerr Melvile, also did the firewalk three times and wanted to walk more. He raised another £200.

“Thank you to all the family, friends and everyone who sponsored me.”