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 London firefighter John Chart is living with motor neurone disease and his positivity and strength have inspired his friend, firefighter Dan Ascough, to push him round the London Marathon in April in the same wheelchair used by Rob Burrow. Wayne Field has been a firefighter for 20 years and his daughter, Destiny, has now followed in his footsteps. They share how open communication helps them both – and why having access to wellbeing support is so important. Control Officers Helen and her daughter Laura received support at Marine Court and now hope to encourage any colleagues who’d benefit from help to reach out too. Retired firefighter, Dave Stedham, found the helping hand he needed through our remote counselling after a challenging few years, including the tragic death of his son. Retired firefighter John Willoughby shares how he found the courage to reach out for help following months of mental health challenges – and why finding proactive tools to cope early is so important.
Dan: “John inspires us every day – pushing him round the marathon is my way of giving back”
Wayne: “Talking about difficult shouts is how I cope – now I’m encouraging my daughter to do the same”
Helen: “I was blown away by the support – why don’t more of us think to get in touch?”
Dave: “I’d spent years helping others, but realising you need help yourself is the hardest part”
John: “Online tools really help – we need to keep an eye on our wellbeing, even when we feel okay”
