Timeline
Formed during the Second World War to support the bereaved families of firefighters who had died during the Blitz, here’s how the charity has honoured the legacy of their bravery and sacrifice and evolved over the past 80 years.
1940
The London Fire Service Benevolent Fund is set up by Major Jackson, London’s fire chief, from an initial donation of £24.
1943
The Fund nationalises to become the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund (FSNBF).
1945
Almost 1,400 fire service orphans are cared for by the FSNBF, supported by grants and allowances.
1953
HM Queen Elizabeth II becomes the Fund’s Royal Patron.
1965
1965 – Marine Court opens its doors
Marine Court in Littlehampton, West Sussex opens as a recuperation centre.
1978
The charity’s co-founder, Ronnie Greene, passes away.
1980
1980 – Fundraising income on the up
Annual fundraising income tops £1million for the first time.
1981
Harcombe House in Devon opens for recuperation.
1993
1993 – HM Queen attends Golden Jubilee celebrations
The Queen attends the charity’s Golden Jubilee reception at London’s Guildhall
1995
Jubilee House in Cumbria opens, offering rehabilitation and nursing services to beneficiaries
2002
The Fund’s Lottery launches. It’s still going today. Click here to find out more and win up to £25,000
2003
The Fund celebrates its Diamond Jubilee with a star-studded concert at the Royal Albert Hall
2005
The Fund starts working with the Children’s Burns Trust to support burn victims
2006
After a long build, Harcombe House starts offering rehabilitation
2008
2008 – FSNBF becomes The Fire Fighters Charity
The Fund changes its name to The Fire Fighters Charity
2013
A busy year as the charity celebrates its 70th anniversary
2013
A newly refurbished Marine Court launches rehabilitation facilities and psychological support services roll out across all three centres
2015
The charity holds its tenth Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster, preceded by a reception for nominees and winners at Downing Street
2018
The charity turns 75 and marks its anniversary with the launch of a nationwide fundraising challenge; #My75Miles. The Spirit of Fire Awards are also held in June, with nominees and winners once again attending a reception at Downing Street hosted by Home Secretary Sajid Javid MP.
2019
2019 – The Duke of Cambridge visits Harcombe House
HRH The Duke of Cambridge visits Harcombe House on Monday 9 September, 2019. The culmination of months of planning and the result of a long standing working relationship between The Fire Fighters Charity and The Royal Foundation, the visit had been agreed to recognise the work of the charity and to mark Emergency Services Day.
2020-Present
During lockdown we introduced a series of digital support pathways, which we are continuing to develop and evolve.
