More than 50 people braved the burn in a firewalk challenge to support youngsters with additional needs.

They walked 20 feet over hot coals at 550C at Princes Park Stadium, Dartford, to raise money for We Are Beams.

The charity supports more than 450 families each year. The disabled children and young people who access We Are Beams services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, autism or severe ADHD.

Fundraisers included many families who have been supported by Beams, including members of Little Buddies, a parents' support group for children with severe and complex disabilities.

In total, more than £14,000 was raised through sponsorship.

One fundraiser whose family has personally benefited from the support of Beams is David Wiggins who has raised more than £1,200.

Dave’s daughter Victoria was diagnosed with autism three years ago. The family have since been on a roller coaster of emotions, dealing with her condition and trying to learn as much possible to ensure her autism will not hold her back in any way.

Dave said: "Beams is a charity close to our hearts, I chose to take part not only to fundraise as much as I could to help families like ours but also to spread the word – the more we can "normalise" the fact that we are all different, the easier it will be for children like Victoria to thrive in the future.”

We Are Beams is based in Hextable and needs to raise £2million a year to provide care to the 450-plus families in Kent it helps.