Alison: “My fundraising in lockdown helped grow community spirit”
What started as a personal fundraising journey for retained Warwickshire firefighter Alison Insley's Fire Family Challenge became an event that brought her community together.
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What started as a bit of a joke to annoy his wife led to retired Worcester firefighter Dave Hunt raising £2,650 with an asymmetrical head and beard shave for his Fire Family Challenge. For this, we applaud him. Linda Alcock thought she would never be able to walk again after neurosurgery left her unable to lift her chin off her chest without intense pain. She said all she wanted was to be able to see planes in the sky. Now, thanks to the care and support she received at Jubilee House, she is able to see the stars. For the first time ever, Hertfordshire Station Commander James Bull is opening up about his own mental health struggles in the hope it inspires other people to do the same. For former RAF firefighter Mark Latham, the combination of a near-fatal accident and traumatic incident while deployed in Afghanistan left him struggling to cope. He waited to ask for support because he felt like he didn't deserve help, something he says he regrets. But since visiting Harcombe House, he's happier and healthier than he has been in years.
Dave: “The fire service is a family, so this was my time to give something back”
Linda: “I have achieved all I was aiming for, and it’s all thanks to you”
James: “My story is not unique. But we don’t talk enough.”
Mark: “I shouldn’t have waited until I was burnt out before contacting you”