AN accountancy firm stepped up the heat on a charity fundraising day.

Haslers Accountants, in Old Station Road, Loughton, raised more than £7,000 for St Clare hospice when they hosted a fire walk in the grounds of the hospice on Thursday, May 18.

More than 40 staff from Haslers marched bare foot across hot embers in memory of their former colleague, Charlotte James, who lost her battle with cancer aged 20 in 2014.

Spectators had the opportunity to nominate the colleagues they wanted to see do the walk, and chairman Jon O’Shea took it on.

He said: “We were delighted to take on this challenge for St Clare in honour of our friend and former employee, Charlotte James.

“It was exhilarating to take on the challenge of walking across fiery embers. You have to have a brave sole to take it on.

“The event really brought our staff together as a team and it was very rewarding to give something back to the hospice in memory of Charlotte.”

Amy Jacobs, from St Clare Hospice, said: “The turnout for the challenge was absolutely fantastic and Haslers have raised an incredible amount for the hospice.

“We are blown away by the support we have received, and are so grateful to everyone who donated and took part in the event. It is fantastic to see the innovative ways that businesses are finding to work with and support St Clare.”