A cancer expert crossed a bed of coals heated to 1,200F at the weekend to raise money for a charity helping slum dwellers in India.

Dr Liz Reed, who works at Princess Alice Hospice researching end of life care, took part in the firewalk on Clapham Common on Saturday night in aid of Calcutta Rescue.

Last year she spent three months in Kolkata as a volunteer at the charity assessing the treatment of cancer patients living on the streets who it supports.

Dr Reed, who lives in Carshalton, said: "It was an amazing night. Even though I look somewhat traumatised in the photo - I didn't feel it at all!

"My time in Kolkata is still so fresh in my mind and I know what amazing work Calcutta Rescue are doing in such unforgiving circumstances. The money raised will go a long way in Kolkata."

Sean Duggan, who helped organise the firewalk, said it has raised £11,000 so far.

He said: "Thank you so much to Liz and all the courageous souls who took up this challenge. The money they are raising will make a real difference to some of the most disadvantaged people on the planet.

"It will be spent on drugs for people with multi-drug resistant TB, schooling for children who would otherwise never learn to read or write, on health education for expectant mothers and a multitude of other effective projects helping people who have nowhere else to turn."

Find out more about the work of Calcutta Rescue and make a donation to the firewalk.