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… 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. Scottish on-call firefighter, Hugh MacCormick, has received our support following back issues. Here he shares his story, both of our support and of the pressures he and others face working on-call. Retired firefighter Chris Lock says the support he’s received from us has helped him come to terms with life-changing injuries which sadly brought his firefighting career to an end.
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”
Hugh: “I was primarily receiving physio, but the mental wellbeing workshops were great”
Chris: “Without the care I received, I’m convinced my physical life story would have concluded”
