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Footballers tackle "ghost chilli challenge" for charity

"It feels like blisters in your mouth. It feels like - urrgh, you know what I mean."

Speaking just after munching on one of the hottest chillies in the world, Daniel Smith can be forgiven for not quite articulating his thoughts. In fact he should be commended for even managing to talk at all.

Daniel Reville and Daniel Smith contemplate a meal they'll never forget
Daniel Reville and Daniel Smith contemplate a meal they'll never forget

The notorious ghost chilli has been known to hospitalise people, and has even been used in prototype anti-terrorist grenades as part of research conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.

In short - as its unsettling name would suggest - it is not a snack for the fainthearted.

Nevertheless, Daniel and fellow Real Gima footballer Daniel Reville, both 13, decided to chomp a ghost chilli each at New Beginnings Charity Shop in Northfleet on Saturday - raising £200 for their football team and Willow Wildlife Rescue in the process.

"I was going to do it just for YouTube, but then my mum said 'do it for charity'" said Daniel Smith before the challenge. "I saw it on YouTube and thought it would be cool to show off about it."

Daniel Reville and Daniel Smith prepare to tackle the notorious ghost chillies
Daniel Reville and Daniel Smith prepare to tackle the notorious ghost chillies

Mum Anna Parker, who helps run the shop, said: "They were watching YouTube and doing little pranks, and they’ve had this idea for weeks to do a ghost chilli challenge. I came up with the idea to do it in the shop because it’s a controlled environment, and we decided if they’re going to do it they might as well do it for a good cause.

"They’re going to do it anyway, so we might as well have a good reason."

Once the chillies were chomped, no amount of the milk and yoghurt on standby was enough to take away the pain for the two Daniels.

"It’s alright at first, it takes a bit of time and then it won’t leave," said Smtih, as Reville sputtered: "Milk helps but not as much..."

Asked if they would chew another one, the answer was an emphatic "no".

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