On the evening of Monday 20th October, supporters of The Red Hen Project will take part in a remarkable challenge: walking barefoot across fire.
This isn’t about adrenaline or spectacle, it’s about raising vital funds for children in Cambridge who need extra support to thrive at home, in school, and in their community. Staff, trustees, and supporters will be stepping onto the embers as a powerful symbol of the courage and resilience that children and families find every day with Red Hen’s help. The charity is now calling on others to join them in the challenge, walk alongside them, and help make a lasting difference for local children and families.
The Red Hen Project works with children and families facing multiple challenges, offering early support and trusted relationships that make lasting change possible. The Firewalk reflects the journey many of these families take, overcoming fear, building confidence, and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had.
“For many, firewalking is the ultimate bucket list challenge - an unforgettable experience that pushes boundaries and leaves a lasting memory,” said Sarah Crick, CEO of The Red Hen Project. “By joining our Firewalk, participants don’t just tick something extraordinary off their list; they also raise funds that directly change children’s lives. It’s a chance to give back while doing something truly remarkable.”
For businesses, the Firewalk offers not only a powerful team-building experience but also a meaningful way to reach Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. Other organisations like local sports teams, groups or clubs are also encouraged to take part, as a fun and impactful way to do something good together. By walking together, groups can show solidarity with the children and families supported by Red Hen, while raising vital funds to extend the charity’s work. The charity is also seeking an overall event sponsor - an organisation that wants to make a lasting impact by championing the event and helping to ensure its success for the whole community.
Families Red Hen support often face a web of challenges - poverty, mental health issues, social isolation, unstable housing, language barriers, neurodivergent challenges, school avoidance and more. Early intervention can make all the difference, but it requires resources: trained staff, experienced family workers, safe spaces, engaging programs, therapeutic support, and home visits. The funds raised from this Firewalk will support those essential services, ensuring children have the stability, encouragement, and opportunity to flourish.
Firewalking is an experience that teaches participants to deal with fear, focus the mind, and trust in their strength and in the support around them. According to firewalking practitioners, stepping across hot embers involves preparation, mental focus, and a leap of faith - all elements mirrored in the journeys many families make with The Red Hen Project. When people walk the fire, they learn that they can achieve something that feels impossible, that with courage and support, boundaries can be crossed and new confidence gained.
The Red Hen Project is excited to be joined by Neil Bharadwa, co-owner of The Cambridge Fruit Company, who has already experienced the thrill of a Firewalk. Reflecting on his journey, Neil shared: "Walking through the fire was an incredibly powerful experience. Confronting my fears head-on was intense, and the triumph I felt on the other side was unmatched. I'm looking forward to facing the flames again with The Red Hen Project team. If you're considering it, just go for it! The in-depth training will have you excited to get started, and the buzz you feel afterwards is incredible."
The charity also wants to extend its impact beyond supporters and staff. Many of the parents they work with could benefit enormously from taking part in the Firewalk - both as a personal challenge and a symbolic reclaiming of hope. The Red Hen Project are introducing “gift a walk” where supporters can donate a place and enable a parent to take part in the Firewalk.
The event is kindly being hosted by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, as The Red Hen Project is their current chosen Charity Partner. Their generous support means more of the donations raised go directly to children and families who need them most.
The charity is encouraging those interested in being involved, in any capacity, to visit www.redhenproject.org/firewalk or to contact them on 07865 314 207 or [email protected]
How to Get Involved
Join the walk: Sign up to take part in the Firewalk yourself.
Sponsor a parent: £150 enables a Red Hen parent to join the walk and take pride in their achievement.
Support their team: Back the parents and staff walking together.
Make a donation: Every contribution helps provide stability, encouragement, and opportunities for children who need it most.
Spread the word: Share the event to help us reach more people.
For more information or to sign up, visit: www.redhenproject.org/firewalk
