Community Activities
Image: Revive MS Support, photography by Craig Young
A Funeral Director walked over fire and broken glass to raise vital funds for charity.
John Roach, Business Principal at John Roach Funeral Directors, in Houstoun Square, Johnstone, put his mind over matter for the toe-tingling challenge organised by Revive MS Support – a charity which supports people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Glasgow-based organisation has offered support to John’s wife Audrey following her own MS diagnosis in 2009.
Along with a number of other hardy fundraisers, John took on not one, but two walks across the hot coals after being convinced to take part by his other half, who he has been wed to for more than three decades.
Organisers also sprung a surprise on John, with a walk over broken glass added to his agenda on the night.
“It was my wife who put me forward to do it and roped me into it a little bit,” he said.
“I’ll admit there was a little bit of trepidation, but fortunately everything went well and there was no harm done.
“Several days after, I can still feel it on my feet, but fortunately it doesn’t hurt.
“I was prepared for walking over the coals but didn’t know I would have to take on the glass as well.
“There were several other additional challenges given to people, and mine happened to be the glass.
“Someone else had to eat a lemon, which I probably would have preferred, but it all went well in the end.”
Individually, John raised £655 for the cause, Revive MS, with the team bringing in a total of more than £16,000. A great effort all round.
Iain McWhirter, CEO, Revive MS Support said “I’m so grateful to John for taking part in this incredible challenge for Revive and raising such a fantastic amount in sponsorship. As a charity we rely on our amazing fundraisers to ensure we can continue delivering our lifeline services to people affected by MS.”