A total of 21 brave fundraisers took on fire, glass and the challenge of breaking an arrow as Society Without Abuse’s Firewalk 2026 brought people together to raise awareness and vital funds to help end domestic abuse.
The Firewalk challenged participants to walk in the footsteps of Survivors of domestic abuse, reflecting some of the emotions people can experience when living with and leaving an abusive relationship, including fear, uncertainty, courage and hope.
The evening saw participants push their boundaries, support one another and take on challenges designed to test their confidence and determination.
Walkers received empowerment training from professional Firewalker Keith from Steps For You Firewalking, before facing their first surprise challenges of walking across broken glass and then breaking an arrow with their throat.
The walkers then headed outside to walking barefoot across hot coals, with temperatures reaching up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Firewalker Candace said: “The Firewalk was so empowering, I absolutely loved it and the workshop with Keith was so much more than what I expected, he was amazing.
"The glass walk and arrow break were surprises on the night and it was so motivating to have conquered those before we stepped out onto the hot coals.
“Without charities like SWA, families across Swindon wouldn’t be able to move forwards safely from domestic abuse.
"I wanted to do the Firewalk as a way to show my appreciation of the services they offer and raise money for the services to continue.”
A Lego Walk also proved popular, and participants and spectators also made the most of food and snacks on offer from Samosas2Go and Gourmet 58.
Kate Rowland, CEO of Society Without Abuse, said: “Every person who took part in the Firewalk helped us shine a light on domestic abuse and raise vital funds to support our work.
"It takes courage to step onto hot coals, but for people experiencing abuse, finding the courage to seek help and rebuild their lives can be an enormous challenge.
“The evening was a wonderful display of power, determination and achievement, supporting a vital purpose to raise funds to support our work to end domestic abuse through prevention, early intervention and education.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked, donated and supported the event, including Swindon Cricket Club for lending us their clubhouse and pitch, as well as our food vendors who fuelled our walkers with the best tasting samosas and burgers in Swindon!
“So far, the walk has raised over £3,540 for SWA, with more expected in the next week. Everyone’s support and generosity will help us continue working towards a future free from domestic abuse.”
To find out more about SWA, people can visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk
People who need advice for themselves or a friend relating to domestic abuse can call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610 or the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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