Help us provide life-long care and support for our fire family.

Harry’s Story

Harry was sadly in a major accident 26 years ago, while on his way to work. While pulling out of a junction in his car, he hit some black ice and slid across the road into an old stone wall, which collapsed onto the car.

He suffered severe head injuries and while in a coma, he had a stroke, leaving him paralysed on one side with limited speech. His wife, Ivy, became his full-time carer in the years that followed.

Harry and Ivy, who were both firefighters in the Auxiliary Fire Service when they met 60 years ago, turned to us for support.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled we were,” says Ivy. “Harry’s movement has come on so far, thanks to the amazing nursing and physiotherapy team. The care was outstanding – so kind, so dedicated.”

Harry and Ivy were so moved that they themselves donated £1,000 after seeing our appeal last year. You can read some more of Ivy’s memories and experiences here.

James’ Story

Only a few hours into a holiday in 2016, the course of former firefighter James Thorpe’s life was altered in just a few seconds when he ran into the sea, fell, and broke his neck.

Saved from drowning by friends, the former firefighter was left partially paralysed from the chest down and, in the years since, has been rebuilding his life, strength and confidence – with us by his side.

James had suffered a life changing spinal injury and, after being flown home, spent three months in hospital, learning to adapt to his new life. Fiercely determined to be independent, James has always sought to get the most from his recovery and over the intervening years has been receiving regular support from our expert nursing and physical health teams at Jubilee House, building up his strength and confidence. He can now stand for short periods of time.

“Mentally and physically, I wouldn’t be where I am now without the charity. The progress I’ve made has been incredible – and it’s made day-to-day life so much easier,” he says. “When you donate, you think you’re helping someone else. But one day it might be you, and when that happens, you’ll be so grateful it’s there.”

Our nursing team