Find out how Fire Fighters Charity has supported service users across the UK and how you can share your story with the fire community. Click categories or regions below to filter the list of stories.
Alan Simcox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2023 following years of symptoms he couldn’t explain – to the point his mental health was impacted. Here, he shares his story… Firefighter Rachel Streeting, from Warwickshire FRS, received our support following a back injury which she feared could end her career on operational duty – and she says we helped her mental health, as well as physical. Paul Yates is taking on the 2023 London Marathon in memory of his partner Cathy’s brother, Andy Moore, who passed away in 2020. Paul now hopes to raise awareness of the mental health support we offer. Georgia Phillipson saw her professional rugby career abruptly end due to an injury, and feared it’d also mean the end of her being a firefighter – but she says our support got her back on the run again. Ross Allen is taking on the 2023 London Marathon in aid of us after his best friend was left needing 24-hour care. We’ve supported his family in the years since, and this is Ross’ way of saying thank you.
Alan: “I climbed Scafell Pike after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a thank you for your support”
Rachel: “You helped me gain the mental confidence to carry my job out after recovery”
Cathy and Paul: “My firefighter brother took his own life – this challenge is a tribute to him”
Georgia: “You didn’t just focus on my injury but me as a whole, including my mental health”
Ross: “I promised my friend I’d look after his family – fundraising for you is one way of doing that”
