It was a baptism of fire for some, their first time walking over hot coals.

For Salisbury Radio DJ Matt Rogers however, it was more of a walk in the park.

Last night’s Firewalk in aid of Salisbury Hospice Charity delighted participants, spectators and the charity as the event which featured 60 people walking over 1000 degree Fahrenheit coals in front of the Guildhall raised over £20,000 for the charity.

A final figure of the money raised for the Odstock Road hospice will be shared over the weekend.

The event was part of the charity’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Salisbury Hospicecare Trust launched in 1981 by consultant physician Dr Peter Gillam. In 1987, HRH The Duchess of Kent officially opened what is today known as ‘Salisbury Hospice’.

It was originally called the Salisbury Macmillan Unit, named in acknowledgement of their help in funding the nursing posts for the first three years. However, since the first three years there has been no funding from Macmillan Cancer Care.

Today, the charity requires £2.4m a year to operate.

VIDEO courtesy of Tracy Gould: DJ Matt Rogers ‘walk in the park’

Salisbury Radio were honoured to be part of yesterday’s event with morning host Ian Burrage being master of ceremonies for the event. Nonchalant and cool afternoon DJ Matt Rogers (above) made the effort look easy.

To find out more about the hospice and their future fundraising events, please click here.