The fire service is, for Helen, like family. Not only did she have a role in it herself as a firefighter, but it’s also where she met her partner Paul – or ‘Zed’ as he’s always been known by many of his colleagues.
Here, she shares her story:
“Paul worked for Kent Fire and Rescue Service for 17 years,” says Helen. “That’s where we met, as I was a firefighter at the time too. We dated, moved in together, got engaged and started a family. Life was good and, like any couple, we planned to spend the rest of our lives together
“All those dreams were shattered abruptly five years ago. Paul was assaulted on a night out, causing a severe brain injury. I was five months pregnant at the time.
“It completely turned our lives upside down. Five years on, Paul remains in a ‘dissociated state of consciousness’ – he can’t speak, swallow, hug, kiss or play with his children. In fact, we don’t even know if Paul understands any of his outside world.
“He can’t come back to our family home and lives in a care home, relying on 24-hour care from a multi-disciplinary team. It’s impossible to know what his life span will be, but it’s unlikely his condition will ever improve.”
Having known about the support we offer, all thanks to your kind-hearted donations, Helen reached out to us shortly after and has since received psychological support, as well as financial support and advice from our Welfare team.
“The Fire Fighters Charity has been the most amazing support network ever since, for me and most importantly for our children; twins Oliver and Isla, nine, and Reuben, four, who was born shortly after the assault and recently started his first year at school,” adds Helen.
“The charity’s amazing Welfare Team has supported my family for years. They’ve been a rock to me from the start, alongside countless other families in the fire service. They helped to provide travel and accommodation close to the hospital in those first awful weeks and months. It was a very uncertain time financially, so their shopping vouchers were a huge help too.
Helen recently completed the Vitality 10K
“Their psychological support has been invaluable, as well as counselling sessions, so we can be strong for each other. We’ve also had the opportunity to visit Harcombe House, the charity’s centre in Devon, on much-needed Child and Family Weeks, where we can relax and meet other families – some of whom have become lifelong friends. The children never want to leave, they have so much fun.
“For me though, it’s just knowing the charity is always there for emotional support if needed – that’s what’s been particularly helpful. And none of that would be possible without donations from its supporters.
“There’s always support and a shoulder to cry on, alongside endless giggles, making life feel that little bit easier. I don’t actually know how we would have ever got through this awful situation without them. So, supporting our fantastic charity – which is there for all of us – is so important.”
As a way of saying thank you, Helen and the team of Control Room staff from Kent FRS – including our beneficiary and long-term supporter Nikki Haxton-Jones – organised an abseil previously, raising £1,400 – with all profits split between us and Paul’s family.
“I haven’t done one for years, I was a lot younger last time, but I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie so I was like, ‘yeah I’ll be there!’” says Helen. “Kent Control have done a few fundraising challenges in the past, and this one was set up in tribute to Paul – to support him too, as well as you.
“My message to anyone is simple – the support is there, just pick up the phone and someone will be able to help you. This really is an amazing charity and can do so much for so many.”
If you’re struggling with your health and wellbeing, we may be able to help you. Call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or visit the ‘Access Support’ tab in MyFFC.
You can also join our ‘Share Your Story Group in MyFFC to chat to others who have received our support, or enquire about sharing your own story.