myaware, the UK charity based in Derby, is marking its 50th anniversary with a unique fundraising challenge: a firewalk across burning hot coals. The event, scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, at Derby Rugby Club, aims to raise awareness and funds for myasthenia, a rare group of neuromuscular conditions that affects an estimated 20,000 people across the UK.
A Hidden Condition with Life-Changing Consequences
Myasthenia disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness that fluctuates throughout the day. Simple activities like smiling, speaking, swallowing, lifting a kettle, climbing stairs, or even breathing can become exhausting or, in severe cases, life-threatening. Because it is rare, many people spend months or even years seeking a diagnosis, and others face misunderstanding due to invisible symptoms that vary daily.
Families affected by myasthenia describe the physical and emotional impact of adapting to an unpredictable condition, finding strength through the support of the myaware community. For 50 years, myaware has provided expert support, advocacy, practical advice, peer networks, and funding for research to improve treatments and find a cure.
The Firewalk Challenge
The Firewalk is not about being fearless; it is about standing alongside people living with myasthenia, whose everyday lives require remarkable courage and resilience. Participants will receive full professional training before walking across hot embers. No previous experience is required, just determination and a willingness to make a difference. Registration is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis to make the event as accessible as possible, with participants encouraged to raise funds to help myaware continue its work.
Helen Critchlow, national fundraising manager, said: "Every day, people living with myasthenia overcome challenges most of us never have to think about. As we celebrate 50 years of myaware, we are inviting the public to take on a challenge that represents courage, determination, and hope. Every person who joins our Firewalk will be helping ensure that no one faces myasthenia alone."
Event Details and How to Get Involved
- Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Venue: Derby Rugby Club
- Registration: Pay what you can
- Training: Full professional firewalk training included
- Suitable for: Anyone aged 18+ with no previous experience required
To register or find out more, visit the myaware Firewalk page. Local businesses interested in sponsoring the event or entering a team are encouraged to contact Leanne Culson, community fundraiser, by emailing Leanne.culson@myaware.org.
The event is part of myaware's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the charity's commitment to supporting people affected by myasthenia through information, support services, awareness campaigns, and research. The firewalk symbolizes the courage needed to face the challenges of myasthenia every day, and participants will be taking extraordinary steps to make a difference.
