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.
Firefighter Russell Webb has been helped by the Charity for years, having suffered an accident at work and later tragically losing his wife and both his parents within less than two years. Annabel Green was first helped by the Charity in 2015, following an injury to her knee, but she says a recent mental health course we helped deliver has finally aided her in tackling the pressures of her workload. Keith Baxter and his wife Barbara were looking forward to their retirement together when she had a devastating accident and was left needing 24-7 care. Here he reveals how the Charity helped him in the most difficult times. Zak Shafique was not long into his career with the London Fire Brigade when he suffered a brain injury in what at first appeared to be a minor car accident. He reflects on the support he received during lockdown and his road to recovery. 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.
Russell: “So many men are struggling with mental health – they need to know there’s help there”
Annabel: “I’ve been helped physically and mentally by the Charity, I’d recommend it to anyone”
Keith: “I was caring for my wife alone, the regular calls were invaluable”
Zak: “You’ve helped me find the most ‘me’ version of myself for who I am right now”
Stuart: “You have to just keep focusing on the road in front”
