Bristol siblings take on hot coal walk in memory of disabled brother

Two siblings have walked barefoot over a bed of hot coals to raise money for a children's hospice that cared for their disabled brother.

Brother and sister Charley and Liam Davis, from Bristol, faced the Children's Hospice South West's (CHSW) Firewalk at Charlton Farm in Somerset.

They walked over the coals which were heated to 648C (1,200F).

They took on the challenge in memory of their foster brother Jack, who died aged eight from health complications.

"It was an exhilarating experience to walk over hot coals. It was certainly a case of mind over matter," said Charley.

Jack, who was profoundly deaf, had Cerebral Palsy and Down's Syndrome, was welcomed into the family when he was two-years-old by mum and dad Sandie and Jim Davis.

He joined the couple's other children at the family home in Emersons Green.

"Jack arrived in 2007. He was severely disabled and was tiny and couldn't do anything for himself," said his sister Charley, 44, from Kingswood.

"But he immediately became part of the family. He was a happy character and had a smile which lit up the room."

When he was four-years-old Jack had a catastrophic seizure and was placed into an induced coma and almost lost his life.

He continued to live at home but started to suffer with frequent seizures.

The family was supported by the staff at CHSW's Charlton Farm, near Wraxall, for four years whilst Jack's condition continued to worsen.

The hospice provided vital respite care for him and his family. 

Then, in 2013, when Jack was eight-years-old, he was admitted to Bristol Children's Hospital with a chest infection.

A couple days later a transfer was arranged to Charlton Farm, where Jack passed away surrounded by his family.

Charley said: "The hospice continued to support us through that incredibly sad time and beyond."  

Over the years, Liam and Charley have taken part in various fundraising challenges in aid of CHSW.

CHSW corporate fundraiser Sarah Heppenstall said: "There was such a lovely atmosphere at Firewalk Bristol and already the event has raised over £3,000."

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]