Ian: “You helped me find the bravery to change my life”

Ian: “You helped me find the bravery to change my life”

After 20 years in the fire service, Ian Richards says he was burnt out. But time spent with The Fire Fighters Charity helped him find the strength within himself to realise a life-long dream. And now he spends his days enjoying the peace and serenity of a small plot of land in the south of France.

Les: “You’ve made me feel like I haven’t been forgotten”

Les: “You’ve made me feel like I haven’t been forgotten”

Retired Lancashire Firefighter Les Monkman is one of several Brits who have found themselves stranded abroad during the coronavirus lockdown. A Type I Diabetic, Les was running out of life-saving insulin and shared his story with the BBC, which is how we heard about his plight and reached out an offer of help.

Ludo: “It’s all come together. I’m very honoured.”

Ludo: “It’s all come together. I’m very honoured.”

Retired Dorset and Wiltshire firefighter Ludo Macaulay has been recognised with an MBE for a lifetime of service to his community and The Fire Fighters Charity, after spending nearly 50 years supporting causes closest to his heart.

Harry: “I just like to help people. It’s who I am.”

Harry: “I just like to help people. It’s who I am.”

Retired County Durham firefighter Harry Binyon is one of two people to be recognised in the New Years Honours List 2020 for their contribution to The Fire Fighters Charity. We sit down to hear why he's spent 40 years raising money for us.

Roger: “The group helps with the loneliness”

Roger: “The group helps with the loneliness”

For retired South Wales firefighter Roger Pugh, our Aberdare Living Well Group provides a much-needed source of friendship and community, and helps combat the loneliness he feels after the loss of his wife.