Chilli challenge and meat feast fundraiser set to sizzle in Chippenham (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chilli challenge and meat feast fundraiser set to sizzle in Chippenham

9:00am Thursday 23rd August 2012 in Chippenham

The heat is on as a Chippenham pub challenges competitors to eat a burger laced with one of the most potent chillies in the world.

The Gladstone Arms is asking fearless diners to eat a chilli burger laced with the infamous Scotch Bonnet chilli plus chilli chips, without a drink, in aid of charity.

The challenge, organised by landlord Leighton Davis to run through September, has been inspired by customers John and Judy Steelyard, whose 15-year-old daughter, Amy, has cerebral palsy.

Mrs Steelyard, 46, of Turpin Way, said: “Leighton called us about the chilli burger challenge and thought we should do it for charity. He knows Amy very well and wondered if he could do it for Scope.

“We thought it was a fabulous idea. Scope is a brilliant charity and has given us lots of help with education and specialist care.

“I think the challenge itself is going to be funny. It’s a really hot burger and there’s no way I would touch something as hot as that, but John might give it a go. Any way to get people involved in fundraising is good.”

Brave participants will be required to finish the chilli burger, served with portion of chilli fries and red pepper mayo, within 30 minutes, including surviving a ten-minute ‘cooling-off period’.

Landlord Leighton Davis, said: “The chilli burger challenge certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted but it’s for a great cause, so I’d like to encourage people to come down and have a go.

“Summer has been a washout so far, so this might be your only chance to feel some heat.”

Opticians Specsavers, in Borough Parade, is getting behind the challenge, having pledged to match the amount raised at the pub in their bid to reach £1,000.

The challenge costs £10 to enter, which will be donated to Scope if participants are unsuccessful. However, if the challenge is completed, competitors will receive their £10 back but The Gladstone Arms will donate the same amount to the charity instead.

Not only will winners have the kudos of completing the chilli burger challenge, but their photo will be displayed on the Wall of Flame, they will receive a free beer and a T-shirt courtesy of Let’s Face It on New Road, Chippenham.