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.
Alan Simcox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2023 following years of symptoms he couldn’t explain – to the point his mental health was impacted. Here, he shares his story… Ross Allen is taking on the 2023 London Marathon in aid of us after his best friend was left needing 24-hour care. We’ve supported his family in the years since, and this is Ross’ way of saying thank you. Gee Smith, a firefighter with Hampshire & Isle of Wight FRS, has gone above and beyond to spread the word about the importance of looking after your mental health, ever since receiving our support with his own. When Nikki Haxton-Jones’ husband, Danny, passed away, she vowed to raise money for us in his memory – and she and her two kids, as well as Danny’s colleagues, have continued ever since. Maria Smith’s husband, Rusty – who was an on-call firefighter for 31 years – passed away suddenly in May 2019. She’s now running the London Marathon in aid of us as a tribute to him and his colleagues.
Alan: “I climbed Scafell Pike after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a thank you for your support”
Ross: “I promised my friend I’d look after his family – fundraising for you is one way of doing that”
Gee: “A lot of people, like me, never ask for help and push on through – but they need to”
Nikki: “I know the difference our fundraising makes – we can turn to you in the future”
Maria: “I’m running the Marathon to continue my husband’s legacy, to make a difference”
