A school cleaner took on a blazing challenge all in aid of helping vulnerable children.

Claire Hadlow, who works at Fulston Manor in Sittingbourne, walked barefoot across a fire pit of charcoal to raise money for a children’s domestic abuse charity.

Ms Hadlow took on the challenge in aid of Child’s Vision.

The organisation, which is based in Albion Place, Maidstone, was set up to help youngsters living in violent homes who have witnessed abuse first-hand, or have been affected by it in other ways.

The charity helps support youngsters by sending workers into schools, such as Fulston Manor in Brenchley Road, and sets up one-on-one sessions with them in a safe school environment.

Cleaner Claire raised an amazing £335 for the charity through her own sponsorships, before taking part in the fire walk at Ashford’s Julie Rose stadium.

Claire said: “This is an amazing charity and the support workers love to see a child progress, from being shy and timid at the beginning of the sessions, to chatting away and feeling good about themselves at the end of it.

'The money will go towards supporting vulnerable children who just need someone to listen to their troubles and worries.'

“I really am proud to have taken part in this event because I know that the money raised, £335.85 from my sponsorship alone, will go towards supporting vulnerable children who just need someone to listen to their troubles and worries.”

The challenge, which took place on Friday, April 30, was set up by the Kent Messenger’s charity team, and walkers were trained by UK Firewalk’s Scott Bell, who is also a two-time Guinness World Record holder for the greatest distance walked on fire.

Events manager at the Brenchley Road school, Sarah Palmer, said: “Claire is such a valuable member of our cleaning staff and has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep our site as clean and germ free as possible.

“To hear that she completed the walk, which she says didn’t hurt at all, just proves what a selfless person she is.

“Claire told me that it was like walking on bubble wrap and that the walk back over the gravel was far worse.”

Recent figures from Unicef showed how young children exposed to violence in the home experience more emotional stress which can harm their future concentration, focus and school work.

To find out more about Child’s Vision, visit here.

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