Whether it’s walking, running or climbing, washing cars, bringing communities together or making a generous donation, our supporters are the driving force behind everything we do.
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible women across our fire services community whose dedication helps thousands of people every year.
Every pound raised, every event organised, every act of kindness ensures we can continue providing life‑changing care and support to fire service personnel and their families. None of it happens without you – and today, we celebrate you.
Fire Fighters Charity’s Chief Executive, Sherine Wheeler, says: “On International Women’s Day, I’m proud to recognise the incredible women across our fire services community who bring their dedication, skill and passion not only to the Fire and Rescue Service, but also to supporting Fire Fighters Charity.
“Our work is only possible because of our supporters – including the thousands of women who champion our cause, fundraise tirelessly and help ensure every member of our fire family has somewhere to turn when they need help.
“Today, like every day, we celebrate the women at the heart of all we do. Your generosity and unwavering commitment make a life‑changing difference – thank you.”
Here, we hear from just a few of the many women behind our work:
Frankie Shepherd
Frankie works for Scottish Fire & Rescue Service as a Watch Commander in Perth & Kinross, as well as an on-call Watch Commander at Blairgowrie.
She is taking on the 2026 London Marathon in aid of us, and has already raised over £3,000 through a series of fundraisers, including a race night.
She says: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible difference Fire Fighters Charity makes to firefighters and their families. Over the years, I’ve watched friends and colleagues benefit from the charity’s support, whether that’s recovering from injury or dealing with mental health challenges. The work they do is genuinely life-changing, and I wanted to do something to give back.
“I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself and taking on a challenge, and the marathon is certainly that! But knowing it’s for such a worthwhile cause will keep me going every step of the way (hopefully)!”
You can support Frankie’s fundraiser here.
Helen Rea
Helen (right) with her daughter Laura
Helen works in Control for London Fire Brigade and has supported Fire Fighters Charity for years, regularly organising fundraisers to bring colleagues in different roles across the service together.
And she says that support was made all the more meaningful for her, after having some support herself following an operation on her foot.
She says: “I was invited to Marine Court for a week and was absolutely blown away.
“It was all so beneficial, I had a brilliant week. Everyone says it too, everyone I’ve spoken to who’s had support has said it’s amazing… so why don’t more of us think to get in touch?”
Helen’s daughter, who also works in Control, has since received our support too, and Helen says continuing to fundraise so that others across the fire services community can get help when they need it too is vitally important to her.
“We’re often away from our families, we often celebrate Christmas at different times, I remember my dad making those same sacrifices… having support available is so important, so we need to support the charity however we can,” she says.
“A big drive for me is bringing colleagues and the community together, I love watching people interacting with each other and working for a common cause.”
Read Helen’s full story here.
Kresse Wesling
Elvis & Kresse has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to us over the years, as one of our most dedicated corporate supporters.
The sustainable luxury accessory manufacturer generously donates 50% of the profits of its Fire Hose Collection each year, making a huge difference to the support we’re able to continue offering our fire services community.
Elvis & Kresse first began as the brainchild of co-founder and director Kresse Wesling in 2005, following a chance encounter with London Fire Brigade. Since then, supporting Fire Fighters Charity has remained very close to her heart.
She says: “You only have to look at what Fire Fighters Charity does to want to support it. The wider fire service and its family need help, they need help with their mental health, they often need help with access to care and physiotherapy.
“Firefighters risk their lives for us, so it only makes sense that these incredible old fire-hoses are designed to give back. Supporting Fire Fighters Charity fills us with joy. Making an annual donation is one of the best days of the year for us.”
Fiona Hargreaves
Fiona worked for West Sussex Fire and Rescue from 2000 to 2018 in a support role, and spent five of those years as an on‑call firefighter.
During that time she organised and took part in a whole range of fundraisers in aid of us – from the BUPA London 10K and the 2016 London Marathon to countless car washes, ladder climbs, Blaze Bear appearances and driving events.
She says: “Fundraising for Fire Fighters Charity has always meant a lot to me, and now that I work for the charity myself, it feels even more personal.
“I had physiotherapy support at Marine Court in 2022, as an outpatient, and it really brought home the impact of the funds I’d helped raise over the years.
“Later that same year I joined Fire Fighters Charity as Research Coordinator, and it felt like everything had come full circle. In my role, I’m able to bring a lived understanding of the fire service – both operational and support – as well as my experience as a supporter and service user.
“The best part of the job is staying connected to the fire sector and being able to support fire service personnel and their families. I also love keeping up with developments in health and wellbeing, and finding ways to strengthen our knowledge and insight across the organisation and beyond.”
Tess Churchill
Tess is the Wellbeing Coordinator for Surrey Fire and Rescue, as well as Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
She’s previously had support at Harcombe House following a sudden battle with cancer, which led to major surgery and time off work, and she regularly spreads the word about our health and wellbeing services now, having seen first-hand the impact they can have.
You can read her story here.
And in the video above, Tess shared some of her top wellbeing tips for members of the fire services community.
Meanwhile, Tess previously spoke on our Shout! Podcast, which you can listen to here.