Daring South West Trains station manager braves firewalk for charity

March 14, 2011 - PRLog -- The first-time firewalker, who lives in Alton, put mind over matter to master the firewalk at a charity evening organised by Hampshire Macmillan Fundraising Team.

The event, which saw Jason undergo a motivational training session before walking across a scorching five metre trail of fiery embers without experiencing any pain or injury, was held at the Southampton Guildhall.

Commenting on his brave achievement, Jason said: “The firewalk was an amazing experience – and I still find it hard to believe we all came through it totally unscathed.
“The thought of raising so much money for such a worthwhile cause, which does so much for people in the local area, was a fantastic motivation to tread into the unknown.

“My motivation came from my daredevil wife, who, despite being in a wheelchair, raised money for Macmillan by going up the mast of a tall ship in her wheelchair!”
Jason Murphy, supported by South West Trains’ parent company Stagecoach Group, raised £550 through sponsorship from kind friends, family and colleagues. The proceeds went to Macmillan Cancer Support, providing special services for people with cancer and their families.

Katie Blake, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support commented: “I would like to thank Jason for his courageous endeavours to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The money we raise is for the benefit of people affected by cancer and their family, but it is only possible thanks to the support of such amazing people.”

“Next year we plan to hold the Fire Walk in Winchester, so if anyone would like to be take up the challenge please email lmurphy@macmillan.org.uk to register your interest and further details will be available shortly.”
 
It is hoped the event will help to raise an amazing £20,000, which is double the original target, thanks to the 135 hotfooted firewalkers.
 
http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk

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GROUP
• Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. The company employs around 35,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services.
• Stagecoach is one of UK’s biggest bus and coach operators. Around 2.5 million passengers travel on Stagecoach's 8,100 buses every day on a network stretching from south-west England to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The company's business includes major city bus operations in London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield and Cambridge.
• Stagecoach is a major UK rail operator, running the South West Trains, Island Line and East Midlands Trains networks. It has a 49% shareholding in Virgin Rail Group, which operates the West Coast inter-city rail franchise.
• Stagecoach is also Britain's biggest tram operator, running networks in both Sheffield and Manchester.