Expo event proves it's hot stuff

SIX people have been injured after taking part in a fire walk at the city's prestigious Business Week event.

The injuries happened at the Chamber Expo 2009 event, which has been taking place at the KC Stadium this week.

Motivational speaker and behavioural change guru Robert Purfield, a qualified firewalker, was invited by Hull Chamber of Commerce to lead three fire walks.

During the first walk, four people suffered burns, with one of the injured being treated at Hull Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department.

A further two people suffered blisters, which are classed as second degree burns, according to Mr Purfield.

Twelve people completed the walk without injury.

Mr Purfield said he was sorry people had been injured walking on the coals, that were smouldering at 1,200F, which is 700C.

He claimed if people are in the right state of mind before completing the walk, they are not affected by the heat.

"It is all about self-reliability and understanding yourself. People have to think 'I know it's dangerous and I know I may get hurt and it's totally my decision to do it'.

"I can't decide when people are ready to do it, I can only rely on what people tell me."

Mr Purfield said he saw the injuries of people who took part and spoke to them afterwards.

He said that after seeing the injuries, he decided to undertake the firewalk himself to investigate what had gone wrong. He suffered a blister.

He said: "But I wasn't doing it for the right reasons. I wasn't focused. I was walking across wondering why people had been hurt."

Shaun Gibbons, 24, of SoluTech Systems Limited, Cottingham, who suffered blistering, said: "It was worth every blister. I did it because I thought if I have the belief to do something like that, it would give me the belief to do other things.

"As I walked across I could feel the heat, but nothing bad."

Gemma Way, who also works at the Cottingham firm, successfully completed the walk on Wednesday. She said: "It was empowering. I did it because I want to feel more confident and I think it has given me confidence."

But one person, who called the Mail on behalf of a friend, said: "I think it is terrible. My friend is having trouble walking and is in a lot of pain."

In a press release issued before the Chamber Expo event, Mr Purfield was quoted as saying: "Completing a firewalk is an exciting experience that lifts your spirits and opens your mind to the endless possibilities for achievement in your life – both professional and personal."