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.
When Simon Porter, a firefighter with Essex County FRS, was involved in a horror paramotoring accident, he thought it spelled the end of his career. Here, he and his wife Gemma share how we helped him get back on the run - and boost his mental wellbeing in the process. Piotr Gudan, an on-call firefighter with Scottish FRS, has received both physical and mental health support from us and says it’s a reassurance to have us there in the future, given the huge demands of his role. 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… Crew Commander, Darran Gough, was invited to Harcombe House with his wife following a difficult few months and a particularly traumatic shout – and he says it was the break they both really needed. Miriam Heppell is living with a genetic condition which causes chronic pain and seriously impacts her movement. She says the support she’s had, both in a centre and online, has changed her day-to-day life – and it’s all thanks to your donations.
Gemma: “My husband came home a different person – this is my thank you to you”
Piotr: “Not many people realise the toll of on-call firefighting – it’s tough but rewarding”
Alan: “I climbed Scafell Pike after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a thank you for your support”
Darran: “Being able to take some time out to relax was a fantastic reboot for both of us”
Miriam: “The support I’ve had from the charity has literally been life-changing for me”
