A few days before the event I had to explain to the girls today that on Saturday daddy would be walking on fire. I’m not sure what kind of response I was expected but on balance I’m glad it was “But if you walk on fire you will burn yourself and die!” rather than “Cool – we get to see daddy burn!”. At least they care! A lot of people asked me why I was doing this and to be honest I’m starting to wonder myself! A sponsored silence or a cake sale would have been a much easier way to raise some funds but where’s the fun in that?
It was over 2 years ago that I first signed up for the Fire Walk in order to raise money for We Are Beams. We had previously completed the 5k Colour Dash for Beams and this felt like something completely different, a one off challenge of mind over matter. Initially I thought the randomness of this challenge might pique people’s interest and I wasn’t mistaken – in this recent round of fundraising I raised over £800 which is on top of the £400 I raised 2 years ago before COVID got in the way of the event. I was going to say a sponsored silence wouldn’t raise a grand but I’m sure Becs would pay that to shut me up for a bit!
But there are a few reasons I chose the Fire Walk.
Firstly, although they might not realise it now, I want my girls to know I would literally walk over burning coals for them. Most parents would but we don’t often get the chance to demonstrate this so literally. Victoria is slowly beginning to understand more about her autism and she is aware that Beams help us to help her, so by helping Beams and by raising the subject of Autism on a daily basis I am doing what little I can to help Victoria and others. And if I need to set myself on fire to achieve this then so be it!
Secondly, as I’ve discussed in a previous post, hypersensitivity is a common trait in those with autism. Victoria doesn’t have severe issues with temperature but many do. And I thought I would too when walking on 500 degree coals! Children with Autism experience everyday life in a very different way to the rest of us, with sounds, smells and feelings being heightened to the point of sensory overload. It’s not something I can easily simulate to gain some empathy but doing something I do every day (walking) and experiencing a level of discomfort in doing so highlights what many experience on a daily basis and is not something I will forget in a hurry!
And the last reason is that I am pretty sure I can walk 20ft, but I’m not sure I have a marathon in me, and I’m too scared of heights for a sky dive! These events and more are taking place this year in aid of Beams so if you fancy doing one and want to raise some money in the process have a look at what’s coming up here
Whilst fundraising for the Fire Walk I had a few people comment that I had reached my fundraising target but to be honest my original target was just £75. I’ve been amazed at the response to this and the amount people have been willing to donate to a cause that is close to our hearts but not necessarily at the top of other people’s priorities, especially with the cost of living rising by the hour and other very worthy causes needing our help too. I am truly grateful for the support.