For Matt Gilbert, becoming a dad to two young children alongside his role as a Watch Commander brought with it a renewed determination to take care of his wellbeing so that, in turn, he can always take care of them.
And he says knowing we’re there for him and his family is a huge reassurance, should any of them ever need our support.
Matt, who works for West Midlands FRS, has been fundraising for us for the last 16 years, having seen the difference we’ve made to many of his colleagues’ lives.
Now, he’s set his sights on the 2024 London Marathon – and it comes after a particularly difficult couple of years.
“Unfortunately I lost two friends last year,” says Matt. “One lost his personal struggles with mental health and took his own life, and the other was Iain Hughes – who lost his life attempting to swim the channel on behalf of The Fire Fighters Charity.
“In many ways, this run is a tribute to them too.”
Iain Hughes tragically died when he got into difficulty while swimming the English Channel in aid of us and two other charities, The British Heart Foundation and the Midland Air Ambulance Charity. His colleagues have been organising fundraisers in his memory ever since.
Matt adds: “I’d known Hughesy for 16, 17 years. We worked in Birmingham together, then moved to the Black Country together and he was at the neighbouring station to me.
“I played football with him, he was a great player. It absolutely rocked our service, we couldn’t believe it was even possible. We’ve really focused on fundraising in his memory now, continuing his legacy, and the marathon I’m doing is part of that.”
Matt also wants to highlight the importance of reaching out for help, should you ever need it, after his friend and colleague took his own life.
“I think now having the 24/7 Crisis Line available is vital,” says Matt. “It’s now more about breaking the taboo about reaching out. So many people are too proud, that’s what we need to break.
“If it saves just one person, then it’s done its job hasn’t it, it’s brilliant.”
Speaking about his personal reasons for supporting us with the marathon, Matt says: “Raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity has been an annual event for all of my 16-year career.
“I have helped organise a charity cricket match, car washes and taken part in some incredible events including running in a giant hamster wheel, abseiling off a football stand and running the Birmingham Half Marathon in full fire kit, to name a few.
“Though many charities appeal to me, The Fire Fighters Charity is one that is closest to my heart and one that I am in a unique position to support. The breadth of services and support that the charity offers are incredible. With so many people needing support and pressures ever increasing, I know the demand for the charity will keep increasing.
“Although all the services offered are important, some resonate with me more than others. Working in dangerous and arduous conditions means accidents do happen even with the best training and precaution. Unexpected injuries can cause massive problems both mentally and physically.
“Having a newborn and a two-year-old means that I have to provide for my family and if anything should ever happen it is extremely reassuring to know that the Charity can provide support to me and my family.
“I have colleagues that have sustained on duty injuries and have utilised the facilities at Harcombe house and speak wonders of the place. I hope the worst never happens to me but it’s nice to know it is there should I need it.”
To support Matt’s fundraiser, click here.
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or visit the ‘Access Support’ tab in My Fire Fighters Charity.
And remember – if you’re feeling suicidal, you can call our Crisis Line 24 hours a day on 0300 373 0896.