Storrington estate agents walk on fire for animal sanctuary

Marcel Hoad and Paul Rolfe joined with more than 20 other fundraisers, including a team of five from Storrington First School, all seeking to raise much needed support for the West Chiltington charity.

ABC Animal Sanctuary was founded over 30 years ago by Alexandra Bastedo, who died earlier this year. Her charity continues to rescue and care for abandoned or distressed animals thanks to the work of an army of volunteers and patrons including Joanna Lumley and Peter Egan.

“Paul and I thought we must have been mad to volunteer to walk on burning hot coals of 1286º,” said Marcel. “Even after the two hour training given just beforehand we weren’t totally convinced it was a sane thing to do, so it was with some disbelief and amazement that we reached the end of the 28ft line of fire without needing to call out the emergency services. It was great fun and even better to be raising money for a worthwhile cause. I’m not sure, but the thought of heading to the bar at the end just may have helped us speed over the coals.”

Report and pictures contributed.