STRONG, powerful and magnificent are not necessarily words I would use to describe myself.

But that is exactly what I had to believe I was, to have the courage to walk across burning coals.

The fire-walk was jointly organised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and Shopmobility Basingstoke, to raise money for the two charities.

I’m the sort of person who drops a match screaming if the flame burns too close to my finger, so I am not sure why I agreed to take part in Basingstoke’s first-ever fire-walk.

The nerves certainly kicked in when I signed the consent form agreeing to take part in what was described as a ‘dangerous’ challenge.

Adam Burman, the instructor from Blaze fire-walkers, failed to calm me when he was asked what would happen if you fell over. He said: “You would get up pretty quick.”

Sitting with the 14 other brave volunteers at Basingstoke Rugby Football Club at Down Grange, where the challenge took place, I was hoping the secret trick of how to walk across the 1,200 degree Fahrenheit coals without pain would soon be revealed.

But there wasn’t one.

The two-hour training session instead consisted of motivational exercises, designed to build our confidence and adrenalin, so by the time we faced the blazing coals, we were ready for anything.

Adam explained the scientific reason why fire-walking is possible – because wood is not a good conductor of heat and if you walk quick enough, you won’t burn.

We were taken outside to see the wood set alight. Feeling the heat on my skin, my stomach twisted at the thought of walking across the burning embers.

I was hoping to feel ready and confident, and kept telling myself it was possible, but instinct told me it wasn’t.

Despite the training, walking across burning coals is always going to be a terrifying experience. But that was part of the challenge – and the excitement.

We took off our shoes and socks, and stood ready and waiting. The crowd was cheering, my heart was thumping and I walked up to the blazing coals barefoot.

“What’s your name?” bellowed Adam. “Emily” I shouted back.

“Are you ready?” he yelled. “Yes” I roared with confidence, and the fear had vanished as I stepped on to the glowing ash and walked purposefully to the other side.

It was over within seconds, and all I felt was a tiny spark hit the arch of my foot. There was no pain. It felt like walking on sawdust. It was exhilarating and I wanted to do it all over again.

The crowd cheered and the other fire-walkers clapped in mutual respect, as they lined up to take their turn.

Every single person managed to complete the 20ft walk.

I’m not sure what gave me that sudden boost of confidence. But I managed to walk, pain-free, across unbelievably hot embers, and knew I could do it without hurting myself.

Perhaps it is fear that stops achievement, and simply believing that you can do something is what gives you the courage to succeed.