BRAVE fundraisers “hot-footed it” down to Bolton Golf Club to take part in a firewalk challenge in aid of Bolton Hospice.

There were no cold feet on Friday as more than 40 participants stepped across the burning embers, some in fancy dress.

Nikki Powell, aged 40, completed the firewalk with her 14-year-old stepson Alex Greenhalgh.

They took to the smouldering coals in honour of Alex’s mum, Zoe, who died from a brain tumour when Alex was just two years old.

Mrs Powell, of Crompton Way, Tonge Moor, said: “It was really good but very scary.

“Walking on the hot coals just felt like warm sand, it was not painful.

“Before we did the walk we had a two-hour training session where experts explained how it works and then got us pumped up and believing in ourselves.

“But taking that first step when I could see the coals burning in front of me was a leap of faith — I must admit I nearly bottled it.”

Alex, who attends Sharples High School, was the youngest firewalker of all the 42 volunteers who took part.

So far the determined duo have together raised £497 — smashing their £250 target — and Mrs Powell is confident they will beat £500 by the time all sponsorship money is collected.

She added: “Bolton Hospice supported Alex’s whole family when Zoe was ill — so people donated more and more money as they realised how important the hospice is to us both.

“I would like to thank everybody for their support and would recommend a firewalk to anyone — it was an amazing experience and I was on a massive high afterwards.

“It doesn’t hurt — honest!”

For more information or to donate go to justgiving.com/Nikki-Alex