Peter Davies, of Dinnington, met 12-year-old Thomas Scotford – who uses the North Anston hospice – and his mum Gillian on a fundraiser in May.

The 73-year-old, who has spent the past 18 months recovering from a stroke, was delighted to sign up to the daring firewalk to 'give something back' to youngsters like Thomas.

"It's going to cost £2.4 million a year to run Bluebell Wood," said Peter, who raised £100 after the sponsored 10k walk five months ago. "We are not talking just about hundreds or thousands of pounds."

"I always said I wanted to help other people when I was better. I've been to hospitals in Bassetlaw, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield and they have done a lot for me. Now the shoe is on the other foot."

"When Gillian told me that she had been a nurse and given up her job to care for her own son, Thomas, I thought that was wonderful."

"But I'm just one of thousands of people helping out the hospice with bike rides and runs and so on," he added. "Mine is just a drop in the ocean."

The former member of the Coldstream Guards served at Buckingham Palace and was present at the Queen's coronation in 1953. Among his sponsors will be former colleagues from the regiment.

Peter says he is not nervous at the thought of the 1,200-degree stroll, and the day after the 26th October event he will have further good news to celebrate.

"I have seen firewalks on TV before, but never tried anything like it before. I'm not worried about it. If you can do three years in the Coldstream Guards, you can walk on the moon. On the day, we'll have training from Scott Bell, who is a world record holder at firewalking. I asked my wife, who has given me her approval. And my two daughters have given me theirs."

"The day after will be my great-granddaughter's first birthday. When you see the smile on that young child, I just want to give something back. Fortunately she's healthy, but I want to do something for the children who aren't as lucky."

His stroke left Peter unable to drive, which he said pushed him to finding other targets as he recovered.

"They have taken away the biggest thing for me, which was driving, and I probably won't get that back," he said. "You've got to have something to aim for. So my reasons for doing this are two-fold, I'll be helping the hospice but also doing it for myself."

The mind-over-matter challenge takes place in Sheffield, as part of the city's Fright Night celebrations. And Peter will be proudly sporting his Bluebell Wood attire when he steps out onto the searing coals.

"I went to Meadowhall and had a teeshirt printed with Bluebell Wood lettering," said Peter. "People have got to know who I'm doing this for."

To sponsor Peter, call Bluebell Wood's fundraising office on 0845 108 1579 or email caroline.artschan@bluebellwood.org.

There is also a chance to sign up and take part alongside him.