Fundraisers go hot on the trail

There was a scorching glow in the night sky above Rode on Saturday, as local daredevils tip-toed across hot coals for charity.  About 20 fearless volunteers stood up for the challenge of a lifetime at The Mill at Rode, a fire-walk in aid of the Julian Wort Memorial Fund and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Each hot-stepper who took part in the barefoot walk over burning coals contributed to the fund, which was set up in memory of Frome man Julian Wort, who died unexpectedly of a rare heart condition four years ago.

Paul Clarke, landlord at The Mill at Rode and one of the organisers of the event, said the evening was an amazing experience and great success.  He said: "About 300 people attended on the night and 21 people actually walked across the coals, including myself.

"There was a great atmosphere and the team that came to run the hot coals walk were extremely professional.

"Before the walk we all were given a talk and told to recreate a happy moment from our lives in our mind while we walked across the coals.

"When it came to doing the walk we all marched outside in a line chanting while everybody cheered us on like something out of Jerry Springer.

"When it was my turn to do the walk, the man who was monitoring the coals asked me if I was ready and if I had the happy moment in mind, then he pushed me in the back and I was off doing the fastest walk I have ever done in my life."

Almost £2,000 was raised for the charity and there were no injuries on the night, barring a few slightly singed toes.  Shirley Wort, who set up the fund in memory of her son, said the night's event was on of the more bizarre fundraisers suggested so far.

She said: "The Mill at Rode did a marvellous job and we are all really grateful for their efforts over the last few weeks."

The hot coals challenge is one of several fundraising events which will help pay for the Frome Victoria Hospital's £4,000 defibrillator, which was donated by Mr Wort earlier this year.