MS centre too hot to trot

There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air as courageous fundraisers geared up for a Burns night celebration with a twist, all in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Centre Mid Argyll.

The brave ‘soles’ participating in the fundraising fire walk, on Friday January 24 gathered at the centre in Lochgilphead for some fire walking training and a feed before the big event.

Haggis-themed

Hyped up and fuelled by their haggis-themed buffet, the 40-strong group paraded to Lochgilphead front green, led by pipers Donal Bremner and Christopher McCartan, of Mid Argyll Pipe Band.

Warmed by the roaring fire, a crowd of supportive spectators anxiously awaited their arrival ready to witness the spectacle.

Dancing, prancing, scurrying and proudly marching the whole barefooted group, including inspirational service users from the centre, made it across the hot coals with all 10 toes intact.

Claire Cameron, of Multiple Sclerosis Centre Mid Argyll, said: ‘We are blown away with the support we have been shown once again and we would to like to thank our fire walkers and of course everyone who donated and turned out on the night to cheer us on.

Fire walk

‘Thanks also have to go to Mid Argyll Rotary and the Fraser Shaw Trust for helping fund the fire walk, Barr’s Irn Bru for the donation of drinks for our Burns supper, The Square Peg for the donation of delicious cupcakes, Renewi for the skip hire and Blaze, the fire walk team, for making it happen.’

With donations still pouring in, an incredible £8,982.71 had been raised at the time of writing.

06_a05firewalk01 The brave ‘soles’ taking on the fire walk.

06_a05firewalk05 Barbecued hot dog anyone? Nicola Wilson, from Oban, danced her way across the hot coals.

06_a05firewalk06 Five brave Kennedy family members all took part, including Michael, whose boys were delighted to see him make it across safely.

06_a05firewalk08 MS Centre’s Clair Cameron took it all in her stride.

06_a05firewalk07 Inspirational Fiona MacInnes, of Lochgilphead, made her way across the glowing embers.

06_a05firewalk02 Nicola ‘the sizzling hot dog’ Wilson and Maggie ‘the fire fairy’ Dodd’s costumes were a particular highlight of the night.

06_a05firewalk03 Mid Argyll Pipe Band pipers Christopher McCartan and Donal Bremner led the parade to the front green.