Charity walk with a difference

4:01pm Wednesday 11th June 2008

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A BEWDLEY man conquered his fears by firewalking to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Bob Eaton, 69, of Yew Tree Lane, along with wife Kath, have raised £35,000 for the charity in memory of their son who died in a road accident in 1999.

Mr Eaton said the firewalk was his "biggest challenge yet" after doing a sponsored sky dive in 2005 and driving 10,000 miles from Oman to Bewdley in 2000.

The retired civil engineer added: "I knew it wouldn't be dangerous but I really didn't want to do it.

"One half of my brain had to completely silence the other half. Once I had done it though I just wanted to do it again.

"I have got some slight burns on my toe but nothing too serious. Your feet do feel very peculiar for a while afterwards and I have been woken up by pins and needles in the middle of the night."

Mr Eaton explained that about 30 people took part in the event in Leicester last month and a paratrooper was on hand to prepare them mentally and emotionally for the walk.

He said: "He takes you through all your emotions and fears and shows you how to deal with them. By the end of it you realise you know you are going to do it and you are ready."

He said this involved two hours of self-examination with the group sitting in a big circle and preparing themselves.

Mr Eaton said the trick to firewalking was just walking normally without looking down, or most importantly, looking at your feet.

The former president of Stourport Boat Club added that he hoped to raise about £4,000 from the firewalk.

He denied there was any bravery involved but said he was already thinking about his next challenge which would have a "water" theme.

He explained that his wife did all the "sensible" fund-raising by organising lunches and social events while he did the "occasional spectacular".

To make a donation contact Acorns on 01905 767676.