Women who walked through fire for The Big House raised almost £4,500

A woman living with cerebral palsy was one of 15 people who overcame their fears to walk over hot coals for Wentworth Woodhouse.

They took part in a sponsored firewalk on the Rotherham stately home’s famed East Front lawns.

The event, organised by local life coach and motivational speaker Kate Grosvenor, raised £4,438 for the Preservation’s Trust current fundraising appeal, Big House Heroes, which aims to raise £100,000 to support its educational and community projects for local people and provide equipment for staff and volunteers.

Kate decided to become a fully-qualified firewalking instructor after turning 50 this year and undertook a five-day course in a Cambridgeshire forest.

“I became a life coach to help people and teach them how to unlock the power of the mind and fire-walking is all about overcoming fear,’ said Kate, who lives at Roche Abbey.

People travelled from the Republic of Ireland, the North East and Kent to take part in the event.

One of them was Kate’s client Veronica, who has cerebral palsy.

“The founder of the Firewalking Institute actually has mobility problems so I assured Veronica she could do it,” said Kate.

“It was truly inspiring to witness her bravery.  She didn’t hesitate and walked across the glowing coals with one of us either side for support. Afterwards, she was in awe of what she had just done.

“The night was a positive and uplifting experience for everyone. People supported each other emotionally and afterwards described it as a life-changing event which had given them more self-belief.”

Barnsley finance director Vicki Clarke Brown, Chair of the Institute of Directors for South Yorkshire, raised £1,733.43 (including Gift Aid) after being ‘fired up’ by a promise she made to the Preservation Trust’s Founder and Chair, Dame Julie Keny DBE DL.

“I once told her I’d walk over hot coals for her. Now I’ve actually done it,” said Vicki.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s fundraising manager Carole Foster, from Thorpe Hesley also took part and raised £1,069.62 (including Gift Aid).

“Initially I was terrified, but now I feel really proud to have done my bit to support the Big House Heroes campaign,” said Carole.

The Trust needs more would-be Heroes to sign up and fundraise. Go to:  https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/big-house-heroes/