Fire walk will raise money and awareness
Twins Esmai and Pennie, who are both autistic, benefit from activities provided by the Special Stars Foundation(Image: specialstarsfoundation.co.uk)
“We often talk about stepping into someone else’s shoes. This time, will you step out of yours?” That is the question being posed by Hull and East Riding charity, Special Stars Foundation (SSF).
With over a decade of experience supporting children and adults with disabilities and special educational needs, the charity is inviting the public to take on a unique and powerful challenge this summer – a barefoot fire walk. Taking place on Saturday, July 18, at The Black Horse pub, Little Weighton, the event will see participants walk across hot coals barefoot as part of a professionally delivered and fully supported experience.
UK Firewalk will provide a safe, structured, and expertly guided event, from training through to completion. While the challenge itself lasts only minutes, the reason behind it runs much deeper, said the charity.
For many people with disabilities and special educational needs, overcoming challenges is not something they choose – it is part of everyday life. The fire walk offers participants a chance to step out of their comfort zone, inspired by that reality, and stand in support of those who navigate challenges every single day.
Kirstie-Jay Dean-Miller, mum to twins Esmai and Pennie, said: “Esmai and Pennie, who are both autistic, can find the world overwhelming, from bright lights to loud, busy places. What some people see as ‘bad behaviour’ is often just them trying to cope.
“Our children do things differently, but they are still children, just like everyone else. Finding the right spaces isn’t easy – we must travel for over 22 miles to Special Stars to access activities that work for them.
“But when those opportunities are there, it means everything and it is 100 per cent worth it. It allows them to be themselves, join in, and feel accepted.” All funds raised from the charity fire walk will go directly towards supporting the work of SSF, which provides inclusive activities, community programmes, and specialist support to help individuals build confidence, develop social connections, and improve quality of life.
Louise Miles, CEO of SSF, said: “This event is about more than just walking across fire – it’s about recognising the resilience so many people show every day. Every £23 raised creates an opportunity for a child or adult with a disability to develop new skills, express themselves, and build confidence in a supportive and welcoming environment.
“Last year alone, we delivered over 200 inclusive activities and created more than 4,800 participation opportunities – and demand continues to grow. Events like this make that possible.”
The event will also feature entertainment and a raffle, with a PlayStation 5 worth over £500, donated by Hull-based IT company N3i in collaboration with Comcen, up for grabs. The fire walk is open to a limited number of participants, and spaces are expected to fill quickly.
Participants are asked to pay a £20 entry fee and commit to a £100 fundraising target, with full support provided by the charity throughout. You can register for the charity fire walk on the charity’s website.
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