A man can do or say many stupid things. A good example of this is, "Yeah, sounds like fun," when he is asked if he wants to walk barefoot across hot coals. It gets even worse when he agrees to do it the day before playing a rugby match.

The reason I'm risking scalded soles is not only to satisfy my inner YesMan, but also to raise money for a damned good charity. The Forever Friends Appeal’s NICU ‘space to grow’ Campaign is aiming to raise £4.5 million to construct a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help the 500 premature and desperately ill newborn babies and their families, across the Royal United Hospital catchment area, who each year rely on the unit for medical care.

This site allows you to donate money directly to the charity, through a completely secure site. It's fast, easy and also enables me to be lazy and not have to chase you all up personally to claim the money. Also, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your sponsorship, without you having to pay a penny more.

I will be firewalking on Friday 23rd November at around 9:00pm (ish) and, while my official target is £150 (the minimum sponsorship to get in), I'm hoping to raise a lot more. So, whether you're interested in helping premature babies, finding tax loopholes, or just want to see me hurt my feet, please donate what you can.

Many thanks for your support.

The Earl