Press release -
Bromsgrove teacher set to face the heat at firewalk
A thrill-seeking deputy head teacher form Bromsgrove is preparing to walk barefoot across burning coals to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Chris Smith, 42, from South Bromsgrove School, will take on the fundraising firewalk on Thursday 21 April at the Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove. He was inspired to complete the challenge for the charity after discovering that one of his pupils had a stroke as a baby.
Chris said: “I’ve seen the effects of stroke first hand, and have been inspired by seeing the student overcome the challenges he has faced to flourish in school. I now want to raise funds to help other people affected by stroke get the support they need from the Stroke Association. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. I’ve been encouraging my year 11 pupils to face their fears ahead of their exams, so thought it only fair that I take on a challenge and face my fear too.”
Georgina Lawrence, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “The firewalk is an exhilarating experience and a great way to raise money for the Stroke Association. The funds raised by Chris and all our firewalkers will go a long way towards supporting local stroke survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives after stroke, as well as our work at the Life After Stroke Centre. There’s still time to sign up so we’d encourage everyone in the local area to get involved and register to take part.”
All participants will have a training session before walking across 20 feet of wood embers, burning at temperatures up to 1300°F. Registration is from 6pm with the firewalk at 7:30pm, while visitors can also enjoy a hog roast and refreshments including mocktails and hot chocolate. There’ll also be activities and games for spectators to enjoy.
To sponsor Chris, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Chris-Smith144. The firewalk costs £20 to register, and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. For more information and to sign up, call 01527 903 501 or e-mail WMEvents@stroke.org.uk
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
