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Weekly editor braves hot coals in charity firewalk

A weekly newspaper editor braved a firewalk across hot coals to raise money for charity.

Leo Whitlock, editor of the Kentish Gazette, crossed the 600°C coals in aid of Canterbury-based Pilgrims Hospice.

The hospice is the Gazette’s charity of the year, and Leo was part of an 80-strong group who braved the challenge.

The firewalk was held at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, on Monday night.

Leo Whitlock takes part in the firewalk.  Picture: Tony Flashman

Leo Whitlock takes part in the firewalk.
Picture: Tony Flashman

Said Leo: “Over the years I’ve had to abseil off of 120ft buildings, zoom down zip wires and make a fool of myself by unsuccessfully trying to run across a swimming pool in a giant plastic ball.

“A firewalk was the natural next step until someone told me that human skin melts at 300°C.

“I fought the fear and managed to make it across without falling over, my clothes catching fire and becoming a burden on the local NHS.”