The Big Fire Walk For Autism 2026

Together we’ll walk the fire so others don’t feel the heat.

📆Friday 9th October 2026

📍Colchester Rugby Club, Raven Park, Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5YX

🎫£25 p/p (Early bird Offer of £12.50 p/p before 31st August 2026)

Join our team of brave soles today!

On Friday 9th October 2026 you’ll take a barefoot step across glowing embers to honour the person, the moment, or the cause that matters most to you.

This isn’t just a challenge, it’s a powerful act of solidarity for autistic people and their families across East Anglia.

The Challenge

Every day, autistic people and their families face barriers most can’t see. You can help change that – one brave step at a time.

When you sign up for Autism Anglia’s Fire Walk, you’ll receive full professional training from UK Firewalks and the chance to cross the coals (more than once if you choose).

Your courage fuels our vital services and support across the region.

Be brave and sign up today!

“This one is for my 11 year old son, who is Autistic and has a learning disability.

As a hero of mine, he continues to surprise and ignite us with everything he achieves, each and every day, regardless of the challenges faced at times.

If he can flourish through adversity, each and every day, I can walk over a few coals, right?…right?! 😅

Ross, Ipswich

“If walking on fire can help raise awareness and support for autistic people, then I’m happy to feel the heat for such a great cause!”

Fliss, Ipswich

“Walking through fire is nothing compared to the strength my autistic brother has shown.

Every step I take – across the flames or up a mountain – is for James, and for the love, courage, and hope that carry us forward.

His resilience reminds me that even in our hardest moments, we can rise stronger than before.”

Jenn, Colchester

How it works

Your simple 3‑step plan

  • Register your place£25 registration (Earlybird offer of £12.50 p/p when booked before 31st August 2026)

  • Get prepped – We’ll send tips and resources to help you reach your £100 fundraising target.

  • Walk the fire – On the night, you’ll receive a 45‑minute training session, then step onto the embers surrounded by cheers

Sign up today!

The When and Where

📅 Friday 9th October 2026

📍 Colchester Rugby Club, Raven Park, Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5YX

 

 

Registration: 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Fire Walk Training: 6:30pm

The Fire Walk: 7:15pm

I will be there, sign me up!

Choose Your Path

👣 Walk for someone you love

This is your moment to dedicate every step. Add your loved one’s name to your fundraising page, bring their photo on the day, or write a message on your t‑shirt. We’ll be there to cheer you across as you turn your story into support for others. You walk; lives change.

Walking for someone? Sign up here

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Rally your workplace

Ignite team spirit with a this high‑impact challenge. Build camaraderie, champion inclusion, and inject something a little different into your next team building event.

Whether you are a small local business, or large organisation, we can accommodate your team into this sizzling event.

For large bookings please email fundraising@autism-anglia.org.uk

Sign up your team today!

5 Ways to Fundraise your Personal £100 Target

  • Post your fundraising page on social media
    You only need 10 people to sponsor £10 each—share your story and why it matters.

  • Share your fundraising page with your colleagues at work
    A quick email or Teams/Slack message can go a long way. (If your employer offers matched giving, mention it!)

  • Family & close friends
    Send a personal WhatsApp or text to parents, siblings, cousins, and close mates—direct asks work best.

  • Neighbours & local community groups
    Think residents’ associations, faith groups, PTA, WI, Rotary/Lions, or local Facebook groups.

  • Clubs & teams you’re part of
    Running/football/netball teams, gym classes, choir, book club—share the link in group chats.

Set up your Fundraising Page Today!

Who you’ll be supporting

Leanne’s Story

“The support from Autism Anglia has transformed all our lives.”

“The moment they contacted us was the first time we felt someone had really noticed us and wanted to help.”

“We now know why Lennon behaves the way she does. It’s helped her understand why she struggles sometimes, when other children don’t.”

“Thanks to Autism Anglia’s help, we’re optimistic about the future and feel much better placed to support Lennon, and each other. But most of all, we don’t feel invisible anymore.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There is an inherent risk in any activity involving fire. It is important that participants pay attention to all the training and heed the advice and instruction of the trainer, firewatchers and spotters. Whilst absolute safety is not guaranteed proper procedure reduces risk to the achievable minimum.

The sensation is described by some as walking on eggshells, and others as walking on hot sand. Each walker has his or her own experience. We have not known walkers to experience pain and when the opportunity arises many will walk across the coals more than once.

 There is no preparation to undertake. No treatment of the feet or mental exercise, just the training provided at the seminar. You should abstain from the consumption of alcohol or drugs prior to the event. Any person who is in the opinion of the trainer unfit to participate will NOT be permitted to take part.

Ideally the walkers should be over the age of 13 years old. However we will consider slightly younger if they are mature.   All we ask if under 18 that they are mature enough to listen to the training and will require a parent or guardian to sign a form.

 There is no special clothing required. Casual comfortable clothes are best. Please remember fires can be quite dirty and clothes may become ash stained. Footwear needs to be easy to remove, and will need to be replaced before going back indoors so a hand towel might be a good idea. Flip flops are a good idea, especially if the ground is cold. Nail varnish and toe rings are fine.

The registration fee is non-refundable

The fundraising team will work with you to help you raise your target. If you are struggling, we can talk about your options. All situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Unfortunately, you are unable to transfer your place. All our participants need to register their details with us.

Unfortunately we operate a no refunds policy.

Yes there will be food available to buy on the evening.

Unfortunately we can only allow assistance dogs into the venue.

You will be able to collect your t-shirt when you check in on the night

There is plenty of free partking at the venue.

Yes, spectators are more than welcome! You will need to arrive for 6pm and take part in the training which is around 45 mins, so it may be best for family or friends to arrive a little later than 5:30pm.

 It is very important that you listen to the training that starts at 5pm. If you are a little late, we shall wait for a maximum of 10 minutes to start. If you do not make the training, unfortunately you will be unable to take part. Please make sure you allow plenty of time to arrive.

To take part, UK Firewalk will require you to sign a waiver on the night to say you understand the terms and conditions of the challenge.

You will receive your image a short while after the event via the email you registered with.

The terms and conditions for the event can be found here.