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.
Firefighter Rachel Streeting, from Warwickshire FRS, received our support following a back injury which she feared could end her career on operational duty – and she says we helped her mental health, as well as physical. Melanie Burgess visited Harcombe House with her mum and sister in October 2022 for a chance to rest and recharge, after both her and her sister were diagnosed with cancer around the same time. Keith and Gillian Lupton have visited Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria, three times – providing Keith, who suffered a stroke, with one-to-one support from our Nursing team, while offering Gillian a break. 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… 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.
Rachel: “You helped me gain the mental confidence to carry my job out after recovery”
Melanie: “We were able to spend quality time together for the first time in a year”
Gillian: “I care for my husband full-time – visiting you is a much-needed break for both of us”
Calum: “It’s thanks to your donations that I’ve been helped amid my recovery from cancer”
Men’s fire service walking group shines a light on mental health
