A family fun day and firewalk was held at the Hope and Anchor in Ross-on-Wye on Saturday, July 16th, to raise funds for a Ross-based charity, Rocky Lee’s Little Feet.

Sian Coopey, who founded Rocky-Lee’s Little Feet in 2013, organised the event. Her months of hard work paid off, and on Sunday, July 17th, she announced that the event had raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

Sian told the Ross Gazette: “It was a huge success, better than we could have ever hoped for. The day was so busy and so much fun. Our total raised should hit £5000 which is amazing!”

Many brave people, children and adults alike, took part in the firewalk, where they walked barefoot over a bed of hot embers, which reached approximately 1200ºF.

Firewalking has been practiced by many people and cultures in all parts of the world, but it is more commonly associated with India. The challenge gave an ideal opportunity for anyone who wanted to tick this unusual and exciting activity off their ‘Bucket List.’

Many Ross-on-Wye residents took part in the challenge. They were joined by people from the Forest of Dean, and some of the daredevils had come as far away as Tewksbury, to take on the firewalk. Members of Ross fire crew also braved the test to support the charity.

There were many other family-friendly attractions to draw people down to the riverside for the event. Disney Princesses and characters from Star Wars and Mo the Donkey entertained the children, there was an array of stalls on offer, live music, a beer festival and a barbeque, to name but a few of the many delights.