TV star Casey Batchelor was among 33 firewalkers to dash across hot coals on Wednesday night for Haven House Children’s Hospice, raising £6,000 for the charity with funds still coming in.

The 31-year-old Essex model swapped the red carpet for a red hot walk in the grounds of the hospice at Woodford Green, with temperatures reaching up to 1,236°F under bare feet.

Casey said: “It was scary but I’m glad that I did the firewalk. I love supporting Haven House because it’s such a great charity that helps children with life-limiting conditions and also takes care of the whole family.

“The staff at Haven House are wonderful and I would strongly recommend for people to get involved with the hospice and learn about all the amazing things they do for the children.”

Casey was joined by an army of firewalkers who completed the challenge including Haven House Chief Executive Mike Palfreman, Director of Finance Anne Spong, members of the fundraising team, corporate supporters CBRE, Euromoney, Barclays, and many other community supporters including Maxine Davies, a mother from Hainault, who uses Haven House for her eight-year-old son, Kai.

Kai, along with other Haven House children and their parents experienced the excitement of a fire artist performing a dazzling routine ahead of the firewalk. Spectators cheered loudly as the firewalkers made their way across the hot coals at 6.45pm to fiery music. Firewalkers and supporters alike also enjoyed hot drinks and a barbeque.  

Haven House Chief Executive Mike Palfreman, who braved the coals, said: “I’m glad to say we all managed to make it through with our feet safely intact. Our first ever firewalk has raised an impressive amount for the hospice and donations are still coming in. It was wonderful to see Haven House children and parents at the event.

“They are the reason why we fundraise and seek to create new challenges. We are also hugely grateful to Casey Batchelor and all of our staff and volunteers for making the evening such a success.”

The firewalk was part of ‘Mad March’ - which sees Haven House supporters take up adrenaline-fuelled challenges in order to raise funds for the hospice. On Saturday 12 March, a team of six plunged 160ft in a bungee jump opposite the O2 in Greenwich.

Haven House has an exciting numbers of challenges throughout 2016. To sign up please visit our challenge page.