Our history

A brief look back over how we’ve evolved since the Second World War, and the events that helped define Fire Fighters Charity over the decades that followed.

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

Founded in World War II with a £24 donation, the London Fire Services Benevolent Fund was set up by Major Jackson, London’s Fire Chief at the time.

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 from generous supporters.

1953

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the Fund’s Royal Patron.

1965

Marine Court in Littlehampton, West Sussex, opens as a recuperation centre, providing a dedicated place for members of the fire services community to rest and recover after injury or illness.

1978

The charity’s co-founder, Ronnie Greene, passes away.

1980

Annual fundraising income tops £1million for the first time, helping to support all those working in – or retired from – the UK fire service, as well as their families.

1981

Harcombe House in Devon opens for recuperation. It’s now our leading centre for psychological and family wellbeing.

1993

The Queen attends the charity’s Golden Jubilee reception at London’s Guildhall.

1995

Jubilee House in Cumbria opens, offering rehabilitation and nursing services and expanding specialist support in the north.

2002

The Fund’s Lottery launches to provide a reliable year-round income. It’s now raised over £20 million for our health and wellbeing services. 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 services, alongside its family support and rest and recharge breaks.

2008

The Fund changes its name to Fire Fighters Charity, to show we’d grown beyond a benevolent fund into a national wellbeing charity for the fire and rescue community.

2013

The charity celebrates its 70th anniversary with a year focused on fundraising and thanking our supporters. 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

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 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

We launched digital support pathways during lockdown, helping people get the support they need, wherever they are.

2023

We celebrated our 80th anniversary of supporting the fire services community, with special events and fundraisers planned throughout the year – highlighting the life-changing difference your support makes to thousands every year.

2025

Jubilee House marked its 30th anniversary. The celebration featured the official opening of the new Graham Gash Wing and the Butterfly Garden, funded by a generous legacy gift. Guests also visited the Longest Ride Garden, made possible by the fundraising of a 20-strong team of firefighters.

2026

Marine Court celebrated its 60th anniversary and we invited members of the fire services community, including Chief Fire Officers, senior leaders, volunteers, and service users to mark the occasion.
A large group of people wearing black outfits and red lanyards pose together outdoors in a courtyard, with a white event tent on the right and buildings in the background under bright sunlight.