Swindon hots up with SWA Firewalk 2026

By Barrie Hudson - 16 October 2026

CharityCommunity
  • Participants in last year's firewalk

    Participants in last year's firewalk

The SWA Firewalk returns to Swindon on Friday 23 October - the hottest fundraising event to help Society Without Abuse (SWA) raise vital funds to help prevent domestic abuse and support those affected by it.

The charity is urging people to sign up to secure their spot on the hot coals and walk in the footsteps of survivors by replicating their journey through fear, courage, hope and success.

Taking place from 6pm at Swindon Cricket Club, the event will challenge participants to walk barefoot across hot coals in a powerful show of courage, as well as supporting SWA continue its work in education, early intervention and prevention.

The event promises an evening of family-friendly entertainment, with food and drink available, as well as a Lego Walk offering an alternative challenge open to all ages available for a small donation. 

Friends and family are also encouraged to come along, cheer on the participants and enjoy the atmosphere, with food available from Samosas2Go and Gourmet 58 to fuel everyone’s hunger for the challenge.

Registration costs £20 per person, or £70 for a team of four, with each Firewalker committing to raise £95 in sponsorship. 

Those keen to take part are being encouraged to sign up now to secure their place.

Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA, said: “Last year, our Firewalkers and spectators were on a real high, celebrating what they had achieved together. 

"The event raised an incredible £14,000 to support our work in education, early intervention and the prevention of domestic abuse.  Much of that figure was donated on the evening and so it was extremely exciting to see our total rise through the night.

“Every pound raised can make a real difference. The £20 registration fee is the equivalent of covering the resources and refreshments for a survivor taking part in our 12-week recovery course. 

"£95 could fund three one-to-one sessions to help a child recover from the trauma of experiencing domestic abuse at home, while £250 could provide a healthy relationships course for young people, helping them recognise the signs of unhealthy relationships and build healthier ones in the future.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible baring their soles to help bring an end to domestic abuse. 

"Whether you’re ready to take on the challenge yourself or want to come along to support friends and family, it promises to be a fantastic evening for a very important cause.”

To register for the SWA Firewalk 2026 or make a donation, people can visit www.givengain.com/event/firewalk-fundraiser-2026-walk-in-the-footsteps-of-survivors-10410

People needing 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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