A BURNING desire to raise funds for Gloucestershire’s MS centre has fired-up two women employed by the county’s police force to take on a daring challenge.

Stroud PCSO Debbie Flay and Jackie Campbell, who works for Gloucestershire Police’s training department, will attempt a sponsored fire walk over 20 feet of piping hot coals next month to generate cash for the charity.

The two women are keen to help the Quedgeley-based centre, which is currently trying to raise funds for a move to new premises, because they both have direct experience of the debilitating disease.

Debbie’s mother Hazel lived with MS for the majority of her life, while Jackie has herself recently been diagnosed with the condition, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

"I want to help the centre in memory of my mum Hazel who was diagnosed with MS when she was 20, so we as family lived with the illness for 50 years until she died aged 70,” said Debbie.

“I particularly wanted to raise money for the centre as they are self-funding so any money raised has a direct impact on local people's lives,” she added.

After being diagnosed with MS, Jackie said she did not know where to turn until a friend directed her to the centre, which provides various treatments that help to alleviate pain and inflammation for those suffering from the disease.

“The moment I walked through the door I felt I was in the right place. I was made to feel extremely welcome. I now visit twice a week for acupuncture and massages – and for general fellowship,” she said.

“MS is a disease which can affect people from youngsters to the elderly. It varies in extremes and I consider myself very lucky to be able to work and live a fairly active life. Some people aren't so lucky.”

Jackie and Debbie’s fire walk, which is being organised by a company called BLAZE, is taking place at Queens Square in Bristol on October 4 at 9pm.

To sponsor them visit: www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Flay