DOZENS of daredevil volunteers proved their burning passion for a children's charity when they walked across a fiery bed of hot coals.

A sizzling £5,000 was raised by the 35 men and women who braved the challenge at the Football Academy in Loughton, for children's hospice Haven House.

Volunteers took it in turns to make the perilous walk across several metres of the hot stuff after an intense psychological training session, complete with a motivational talk to encourage them to block out the pain.

One participant, Liz Harridge, was so inspired by the cause that she even compeleted the walk twice, despite a few blisters - or “fire kisses” as they were dubbed by volunteers.

She said: “It gave me a great sense of achievement. I was really proud of myself and all the other firewalkers. My family and friends were there to spur me on which really helped too”.

Haven House Community Fund-raiser Penny Sturdy said each of those who took part had worked very hard to raise a minimum of £150 each in sponsorship, with one man alone raising an impressive haul of £1,500.

The final total, once all the money is collected, is expected to go far above the £5,000 mark.

Visit havenhouse.org.uk for more information about how to help the charity, which is based in Woodford Green.