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.
Retired firefighter Mick Lilley sadly lost his wife to leukaemia just over two years ago and says he was supported throughout the pandemic by our Living Well Groups. Here he shares how they helped him find the confidence to find happiness again. Nicky Lewis’ husband Martin was a firefighter in the RAF and MOD for several years. Thanks to your generous donations, he was helped by us in the months before he sadly passed away – and Nicky has been supported ever since. Calum Balding, a wholetime firefighter with North Yorkshire FRS, was unable to do any exercise or work for more than a year as he battled bowel cancer. Here he reveals how he was helped on his journey back to fitness… Alan Swales has joined our online Living Well Groups after supporting us for decades. He says they have helped him with increasing loneliness during the pandemic, as he cared single-handedly for his wife. The walking group encourages anyone joining to discuss any concerns or struggles they’re going through – before signposting anyone that needs further support to us.
Mick: “You were there for me when I needed it most and helped me move forward with my life”
Nicky: “Knowing I won’t be forgotten about after losing my husband is amazing”
Calum: “It’s thanks to your donations that I’ve been helped amid my recovery from cancer”
Alan: “Your donations and support ensured I wasn’t alone throughout the pandemic”
Men’s fire service walking group shines a light on mental health
