Local heroes take on fiery challenge to raise £10,500 for Birmingham Dogs Home
Birmingham Dogs Home has today announced that its first-ever Firewalk Challenge has raised an impressive £10,500, with more donations and £1,000 in match funding from Barclays expected to take the final total close to £11,500.
Held on October 11, the event saw 24 local fundraisers each raise a minimum of £150 before putting their fears aside to walk three metres across red-hot coals, barefoot, in the grounds of Birmingham Dogs Home. Cheered on by family, friends and supporters, participants faced the flames after taking part in a motivational seminar designed to help them conquer fear and embrace new challenges.
Sponsored by Solihull-based marketing agency The Marketing Pod, the fiery challenge brought together individuals and local businesses united by a shared love of animals and community spirit.
The money raised will help Birmingham Dogs Home provide vital care for hundreds of dogs each year, from emergency medical treatment and vaccinations to behavioural rehabilitation and safe shelter. The impact of the funds is significant. £100 can cover a dog’s first week in care, £500 can vaccinate 25 dogs, and £1,000 can fund critical medical treatment for those arriving with serious injuries or illness.
The funds raised at the event will help dogs like Tia and Mia, two Belgian Malinois found tied up outside the charity’s Wolverhampton centre, underweight and frightened. With patient care and kindness from the team, both are now learning to trust again and are on their way to finding loving new homes.
“We are so proud of our local community,” said Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home. “The people of the West Midlands never fail to show up for our dogs. The money raised from the Firewalk will make a real and lasting difference, helping us provide warmth, comfort and second chances for dogs who have nowhere else to turn. Seeing local people and businesses unite in support of our work means the world to us.”
Sam Dent, who took part on behalf of event sponsor The Marketing Pod, added: “Walking across the fire was a real test of courage, but doing it for such an important cause made every step worthwhile. It was amazing to see local people and businesses come together with purpose and to know we were helping to make a real difference for dogs in need.”
Following the success of this first Firewalk, Birmingham Dogs Home has confirmed that the event will return on Saturday, 17 October 2026, promising an even bigger community celebration with entertainment, food, drink and activities for spectators.
The charity is encouraging anyone across the West Midlands who loves dogs and adventure to register their interest early and keep an eye on its website and social media channels for details of future events and volunteering opportunities.
