A BRAVE band of volunteers hot-footed it to the challenge for a good cause on Saturday.

The heat was well and truly on in Bolton when the 45 plucky men and women put their best feet forward to step over a bed of burning coals.

Challengers defied the rain to take part in the fire walk at Bolton Rugby Club, which was organised by Bolton Hospice in partnership with Bury Hospice and Bolton Lads and Girls Clubs.

Many of the brave ‘soles’ stepping out for the challenge were raising funds for Bolton Hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

And a grand total of £10,400 had been raised by the end of the night.

Among those taking part were Julie Bain, aged 50, and her daughter Keeley, aged 31.

The care assistants from Great Lever, who donned superhero outfits, were raising money in memory of Julie’s brother-in-law.

She said: “Taking part in the walk was amazing! We supported each other through it.

“The whole day has been brilliant.”

Bev Bannister was part of another mother and daughter team, walking the coals with daughter Lauren Roberts, aged 31, to celebrate her 50th birthday year.

She said: “You couldn’t feel anything at all going across.

“I got cold feet from the wet tarmac!

“It was amazing.”

Participants underwent two hours of motivational and psychological training in order to ‘walk the plank’ without suffering injury of pain.

When the time was right, they lined up in the rain and faced the 20ft crossing over the glowing embers.

And watching spectators were warmed by the coals, which were burning at 1,200 degrees, as they cheered on those taking part.

Many people were taking part in memory of loved ones who had been cared for by the hospice.

For dad-of-two Darren Whitehead, the evening marked eight years to the day that his father Jeff died at the age of 64 from cancer.

He had been cared for at Bolton Hospice and after the death of his mother Norma, aged 72, in September, Mr Whitehead decided to raise funds for the charity.

In the end he became the biggest fundraiser of the night, reaching a grand total of £1,510.

The police inspector from Farnworth said: “I have never done anything as daft as this before!

“I’m ecstatic by how much has been raised for the hospice.

“This is about a lot more than walking across hot coals. It is symbolic of how important the hospice is for me, those who have never even used it but know of its good work, and those for who it is close to there hearts.

“I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true!”

Families and friends of all ages turned out to support their loved ones, with shouts of encouragement and joy as each person made it over.

Maria Passarello, events manager at Bolton Hospice, took part in the last fire walk held in 2014.

This year she came along to cheer on four of her colleagues from the charity.

She added: “Some people think it takes magic to get across, but it’s very scientific! After the introduction they will be ready to take on the world.

“I’m so proud of everybody taking part, it takes nerves.

“It is also great to see how many people turned out to support the people taking on the fire walk despite the rain! Everyone has really got into the spirit of things!”