THEY pulled off their shoes and socks to fire up for one of the world’s shortest charity walks but together raised more than £25,000.

Daredevil Hampshire fundraisers braved a 20ft walk- across a bed of burning embers to raise the cash for cancer sufferers.

More than 140 people took to Southampton’s Guildhall Square and bared their feet for the fire walk in soul-scorching 800 degree Fahrenheit temperatures.

Before crossing the burning wood, participants were given an intensive mind over matter training session.

Cheered on by hundreds of onlookers the fundraisers faced the red-hot challenge as part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s 100th birthday celebrations.

The money raised will be used to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Among those taking part in the walk was Sam Holden, who works in the square’s Artisan Café, in memory of her grandad Daniel Byrne who died of cancer in 1998.

The 32-year-old Bitterne resident, said her grandad was diagnosed in 1980 and underwent more than 200 operations. She said: “It was an amazing atmosphere and lots of people were walking for lost loved ones. It felt like a big family passionate about the same cause and was truly fantastic to be able to give something back.

“To be honest I was a bit blasé about the walk until we had the training and it dawned on me it wasn’t a trick, we really were going to be walking over fire.

“I’ve got a couple of little blisters as war wounds but it was a fantastic experience.” Fundraising manager Katie Blake, added: “The money is still coming in but the amount raised so far is incredible. Even we as fundraisers have been overwhelmed by the response.”