Steve fired up for charity walk (From Witney Gazette)

Steve fired up for charity walk

7:00am Saturday 31st March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

FIREWALKERS will 'hotfoot it' across a square this evening to raise money for charity.

Plucky fundraisers are preparing to walk across burning coals in Gloucester Green, Oxford, for the Fox FM Firewalk.

The first person to risk singeing his toes will be self-declared 'daredevil' Stephen Rance - who is dressing as action hero Indiana Jones.

"This might be a case of total madness, but it sounds like fun," said the 47-year-old, who works as a fibre optic planner for BT.

"I'm not really worried about getting burned. There is an element of mind over matter - but also some science behind it. The organisers were struggling to find someone to go first, so they asked me. I'd rather get it out of the way.

"I have done parachute and bungee jumps, and have always wanted to do something like this, so it's a golden opportunity. I am a bit of a daredevil, but this is probably the craziest thing I've tried."

Mr Rance, from Deer Park, Witney, added: "The Indiana Jones costume seemed suitable.

"He's the kind of person that might have done something like this."

The event, which starts at 8.30pm, is raising cash for Macmillan Cancer Support and Help An Oxfordshire Child. Mr Rance's father, Tom, was helped by a Macmillan nurse.

He added: "Macmillan's compassion had an impact on me. It's a charity close to my heart."

He has already raised £400, and is hoping to raise more on the night.

Swindon Town Football Club supporter Martin Hayes, also from Witney, has agreed to attempt the firewalk while wearing an Oxford United shirt, after United fans pledged £350.