With Bristol Cathedral creating the perfect picturesque background and Batala Bristol samba band bringing the energy, a large crowd gathered to support the challenge and cheer our Firewalkers on.
The Firewalk challenge forms part of One25’s programme of fundraising events to help raise money and awareness for marginalised women in our city and last night was one for the books!
Members of our incredible One25 community braved the embers to raise awareness and vital funds, including the Bishop of Bristol and Swindon, esteemed local comedian Dani Johns, and a gentleman dressed as a chicken! Those who were firewalking received an in-depth, rousing and hilarious training session from Blaze’s Karen Sterling, which really helped to raise the energy and get the blood pumping before they took on the nerve-wracking challenge.
The wind was on Batala’s side, blessing them with a smokefree performance! They provided an amazing, energetic soundtrack to the fire being lit, prepared, and of course as each of our brave participants stepped up to ‘feel the fire’ between their toes (don’t worry, firewalking is totally safe and pain-free).
A large crowd of supporters gathered around the cathedral, eagerly waiting to cheer on their loved ones, or simply drawn by the sound of Batala’s drums echoing across College Green. And as each determined firewalker stepped up, they were greeted with warming cheers and shouts of support.
Thank you to BLAZE for delivering excellent training to our fundraisers, working hard to build the firewalk, keeping the flames burning and all of our participants safe!
And thank you of course to all our amazing fundraisers who brought their enthusiasm, energy, and most importantly love and support for our cause. Without you, Firewalk wouldn’t exist.
So far, our participants have smashed our Firewalk 2026 target and all-time One25 records, raising £16,000 (including gift aid) and counting! They’ve truly embraced the challenge of ‘Igniting Change’ this February and their efforts will help make a real difference to women in Bristol, who need our help to guide their journey to independence in the community. There will be women out on the streets of Bristol tonight, and it will be dark, lonely and dangerous. Our goal is to help them heal and thrive, but we can’t do it alone. The Firewalk fundraiser is still open, and you have a chance to make a real difference. Will you help make this our most successful Firewalk yet?
And if you have a burning desire to support us further, check out our upcoming comedy night for International Women’s Day ‘Hysterical!’
"Everyone was super nice, it was such a fun experience and I’d definitely do it again!"
- Carlo
