Kelvyn: “This has changed everything for me and I can’t thank the Charity enough”
Kelvyn Thompson says the support he received at Harcombe House helped him turn his life around, after struggling with his mental health following his time in Iraq.
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Find out how The Fire Fighters Charity has supported beneficiaries 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.
London Fire Brigade Inclusion Manager Shilla Patel has always championed people opening up about their own mental health. But a recuperative break at Harcombe House opened her eyes to what it could be like to do the same thing for herself. Only a few hours into his stag do in Magaluf in the summer of 2016, the course of James Thorpe’s life was altered in just a few seconds when he ran into the sea, fell, and broke his neck. Here, the former London and Norfolk firefighter shares his story. As a word of warning, some readers may find the account of his accident distressing. Like many firefighters, Paul Weller didn't like to talk about his problems. But when he incurred a life-changing injury during a football match, he had to learn how to change this. When Colin and Sadie Morris needed funding for a high-tech helmet to improve the life of their newborn son, The Fire Fighters Charity stepped in to help.
Shilla: “It’s so tiring, having to wear a mask every day, so it’s nice to be able to take that mask off”
James: “You don’t think you’ll ever need help. I certainly never thought I would.”
Paul: “Talking about your problems is not a weakness. It shows strength.”
The Morris Family: “You’ve taken a lot of the pressure off our family”