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.
Maureen Allen has been caring for her retired firefighter husband Clive for two years following a major stroke. Here, she reveals how the Charity has supported both of them through some of their most difficult times. When firefighter Chris Smyth suffered a sudden health scare, it triggered months of crippling anxiety. But after reaching out to the Charity, he says he’s finally found the help he needed to feel in control again. Recently-retired London and North Yorkshire firefighter Stuart Rye cycled the four compass points of mainland Britain for his Fire Family Challenge. And it made him reflect on his own journey with mental health. Realising recovery from surgery couldn't be an overnight fix was the biggest lesson Sheffield Crew Manager Paul Holbrook took away from his time with The Fire Fighters Charity. That and how much he appreciated having his family around him to cheer him on. Leyburn schoolgirl Zara Sunter has been selling her own Christmas cards to raise money for the Charity after being inspired by the support her Dad received in Penrith.
Maureen: “I don’t think of myself as a carer, I’m his wife, that’s what I’d do”
Chris: “In our job, there’s lots of testosterone flying about – you just need to ask for help”
Stuart: “You have to just keep focusing on the road in front”
Paul: “I realised recovery isn’t an overnight thing.”
Zara: “I want to help other people like my Dad”
