11th November 2025

Supporters walked over hot coals to raise £10,000 for the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch of the RSPCA animal welfare charity.

Thirty brave supporters faced the heat as they took on the branch’s first ever Firewalk. Participants walked barefoot across a bed of burning embers of more than 900°C.

Sofia Zerboni, volunteer and events coordinator at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch said: “We are always blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of our community and it was amazing to see so many people step out of their comfort zones to support the animals who come to us for help. Everyone who took part, donated, or came along to support deserves a huge thank you.”

The daring challenge was run by Firewalk UK and generously sponsored by the Chesterfield based fire safety organisation IFSM.

Daring souls walk across hot embers in bare feet during Chesterfield and North Derbyshire RSPCA Branch’s first Firewalk (pictures courtesy of Megan Crossland Photo)

As the fire was prepared, singer Sophie Smith entertained guests with live music, and Chesterfield-based Pizza Pi served up delicious fresh pizzas to fuel the crowd ready for the fiery feat.

Rachel Gray, branch manager at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch, said: “We’re so proud of everyone who took part in our Firewalk – it was an amazing night and the courage and community spirit shown by all those who took part was inspiring.

“The funds raised will make a huge difference to the hundreds of animals we care for every year, and we’re incredibly grateful to all of our brilliant supporters for making it such a success.”

Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals that have been neglected, abandoned or are unwanted is the focus of the charity and funds raised from the Firewalk will go directly to the branch’s ongoing work in north Derbyshire.

The charity also hosts its annual Christmas Fayre on Sunday November 30, where there will be festive stalls, homemade refreshments, tours of the animal accommodation, and even Santa Paws’ Grotto.

11th November 2025

Supporters walked over hot coals to raise £10,000 for the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch of the RSPCA animal welfare charity.

Thirty brave supporters faced the heat as they took on the branch’s first ever Firewalk. Participants walked barefoot across a bed of burning embers of more than 900°C.

Sofia Zerboni, volunteer and events coordinator at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch said: “We are always blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of our community and it was amazing to see so many people step out of their comfort zones to support the animals who come to us for help. Everyone who took part, donated, or came along to support deserves a huge thank you.”

The daring challenge was run by Firewalk UK and generously sponsored by the Chesterfield based fire safety organisation IFSM.

Daring souls walk across hot embers in bare feet during Chesterfield and North Derbyshire RSPCA Branch’s first Firewalk (pictures courtesy of Megan Crossland Photo)

As the fire was prepared, singer Sophie Smith entertained guests with live music, and Chesterfield-based Pizza Pi served up delicious fresh pizzas to fuel the crowd ready for the fiery feat.

Rachel Gray, branch manager at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch, said: “We’re so proud of everyone who took part in our Firewalk – it was an amazing night and the courage and community spirit shown by all those who took part was inspiring.

“The funds raised will make a huge difference to the hundreds of animals we care for every year, and we’re incredibly grateful to all of our brilliant supporters for making it such a success.”

Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals that have been neglected, abandoned or are unwanted is the focus of the charity and funds raised from the Firewalk will go directly to the branch’s ongoing work in north Derbyshire.

The charity also hosts its annual Christmas Fayre on Sunday November 30, where there will be festive stalls, homemade refreshments, tours of the animal accommodation, and even Santa Paws’ Grotto.