Walk over hot coals in fundraiser for Shrewsbury church
A church has come up with a novel way of raising money for a new heating system - by asking people to walk over hot coals.
Last winter, the temperature inside St Mary's Church in Shrewsbury fell to minus five - meaning the staff that run the cafe and those manning the Christmas Card Shop had to wrap up warm.
But now the Churches Conservation Trust, which looks after the Grade I listed building, have been fundraising for a new heating system.
They need £15,000 to complete the job and are looking for plucky volunteers willing to try their hand, or in this case feet, at firewalking.
Alison Pearce, community fund raiser from the Churches Conservation Trust said they needed 100 people to complete the walk on October 27.
She added: "We are asking people to raise money for the church by getting sponsored to walk over the hot coals.
"It will take place in front of the church just as it is getting dark.
"Those taking part will get full training beforehand and told how to do it without burning their feet.
"We are needing to raise £15,000 more for the heating to be done - we have already raised £44,000. We hope to get the work done before Christmas so that we do not get a repeat of last year's cold temperatures inside the church." She is urging people who want to take part to get in touch as soon as possible to secure a place.
To find out more and to reserve a place, which costs £30 per person, go to www.visitchurches.org.uk/what-s-on/feel-the-heat---shrewsbury.html
