« Back to new supporters news

PR Exec braves the heat in charity Firewalk

HR Media employee Melody Patterson walks on fire for charity.

An employee from Sheffield’s leading public relations agency has walked through fire for one of her clients.

Melody Patterson, account executive at HR Media, took part in a courageous Firewalk to raise more than £400 for Neurocare, the charity which supports the Neurosciences Department at Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Neurocare raises money to buy equipment to save and improve the lives of patients with a range of neurological conditions, including brain tumours, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease and Epilepsy.

The Firewalk, which was held at Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow, started with a fear busting seminar, giving participants the confidence needed to walk unharmed across embers burning at 1236 degrees Fahrenheit, just two hours later.

Melody said: “I’ve worked with Neurocare for a few years now, so I know first hand how important fundraising and donations are for them.

“Part of the job is to speak to amazing people affected by a wide range of neurological illnesses. It can be really upsetting hearing how these conditions have impacted their life, and the lives of their family and friends. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that you never know what’s around the corner, so I wanted to do something worthwhile for once.

“I was terrified when I got to The Norfolk Arms – it’s really not in my nature to do anything like this, I’m usually Miss Sensible. But all I kept thinking about was the money I’d raised – so knew I had to go for it!”

Lesley Eland, chief executive at Neurocare, said: "Walking over red hot embers is a terrifying prospect, so we are extremely grateful to Melody not only for her mind-over-matter spirit, but for the hundreds of pounds which her brave efforts will contribute to Neurocare's saving and life changing work."

The event was hosted by Neurocare and Firewalking experts, Blaze, who run similar events across the county.

Much of Neurocare’s money is raised by people getting involved in fundraising events. There are hundreds of ways to raise money. For ideas, visit www.neurocare.org.uk, or contact Lesley Eland or Emma Douglas on 0114 267 6464.

Donations can still be made to Melody’s JustGiving site, at www.justgiving.com/MelodyPatterson

For further information, please contact Melody Patterson on melody@hrmedia.org.uk, 0114 221 0354. Alternatively visit www.hrmedia.org.uk