Charity firewalk to echo footsteps of domestic abuse survivors

By Barrie Hudson - 22 September 2026

Charity
  • Participants in last year's fire walk (Photo courtesy of Stephen Baron Photography)

    Participants in last year's fire walk (Photo courtesy of Stephen Baron Photography)

Swindon charity Society Without Abuse (SWA) has opened registrations for this year’s fundraising firewalk.

The move follows the success of last year's event.

The evening enables people to not only brave the blaze and walk in the footsteps of survivors of domestic abuse, but also raise money to help vital work in supporting victims and bringing an end to domestic abuse across the town and beyond. 

The Firewalk will take place on the evening of Friday 23 October at Swindon Cricket Club, and participants will be given a professional coaching seminar to prepare themselves to take on the blazing challenge before they brave their soles and take their steps across hot coals reaching temperatures of up to 1200°F.  

Last year’s evening saw 30 people raise over £14,000, achieving something many never thought possible.  

Natasha Moyles, Operations Manager at SWA, said: “The SWA Firewalk is such an empowering evening.  

"Survivors of domestic abuse have walked through the metaphoric coals to escape the trauma they’ve experienced.  

"By giving people a taste of the fear, determination and sense of achievement that they have gone through, we hope to bring conversations around domestic abuse out in the open.   

“All the money raised will be put to use supporting our work in breaking cycles of abuse, supporting those recovering from the trauma, and empowering the next generation to spot the red flags and expect more from their own relationships, as after all, feeling safe and happy in your relationships is a human right.” 

The evening will also be an opportunity for spectators and supporters to get involved and challenge themselves too.  

Natasha said: “We’d love to see as many Firewalkers and their supporters as possible.  

"It’ll be a great night whether you’re baring your sole or cheering on from the sidelines.   

“We’ll have a Lego Walk for spectators to challenge themselves to for a small donation, as well as a Lego creative zone and games for all the family.  

"There will also be food and drink available to buy on the evening to keep everyone fuelled for the fire!  

"Returning to feed spectators' hunger will be Gourmet 58 and Samosas2Go, who were a real hit with last year’s crowd.” 

Early bird registration for the Firewalk is open online until 11 October.  Individual entry is £20 or £70 for a team of four, with a requirement for each person to also raise at least £95 from sponsorship.  

To find out more and register for the Firewalk, visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk/firewalk 

 

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ