BRAVE fundraisers are being invited to ditch their shoes and walk across red-hot coals as Newton Abbot Rotary brings its charity fire-walk back to the town this October.

The event will take place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Thursday, October 9, from 6pm, giving participants the chance to raise money for a charity or cause close to their hearts.

Rotarian Martin Smith has been out and about in Newton Abbot this week delivering leaflets promoting the event, which follows two previous successful firewalks organised by Rotary.

Those events, held in 2016 and 2023, have raised more than £25,000 in total for charities nominated by participants.

Martin said the racecourse would provide an ideal venue for the latest challenge.

‘The premise is that you do it for your own charity – Cancer Research, or whoever’, he said.

Participants pay a £25 entry fee, or their chosen charity can cover the cost, and are then asked to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship.

Importantly, the money raised goes directly towards their nominated charity, rather than being retained by the Rotary.

There is no need for previous fire walking experience, with preparation and safety sessions provided beforehand to ensure participants know what to expect.

The 2023 event saw more than 50 people take on the challenge, raising more than £8,000 for a range of causes, including the Meadowside Charity, No Limits Cafe and Hub and Friends of Glendinning.

Organisers are now hoping the October event will attract another strong turnout and raise even more money for good causes.

Spectators are also welcome, with tickets available on the day for £2.50.

There will be free parking, food and refreshments, as well as charity stalls supporting local causes.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Rotarian Joanne Manville at [email protected]