When Jacqui Marwick was 10 hours in to a 50-mile trail run in aid of us in July, the last person she expected to run into was another runner wearing a Fire Fighters Charity vest – much less our own Sales Manager, Kevin Biles.
The pair immediately bonded over difficulty with a head torch, as well as their shared passion for raising funds for us – and it’s there that Jacqui shared her reasons for taking part.
Jacqui, known to friends and family as Tig, is a Community Safety Advisor with Lancashire FRS. She received support at Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria, several years ago after fracturing her ankle.
“I injured my ankle mountain biking and was on crutches for some time,” says Jacqui. “My husband, Pat, who’s also in the fire service, got me in touch with the charity. I was actually in the police at the time, working as a PCSO, so hadn’t realised I could go as his wife.
Jacqui with her husband
“I went in on crutches and spent time on the anti-gravity machine. It was incredible, I left without needing the crutches and the mental health benefits were huge. Knowing I could still move about and walk, that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, made such a difference.
“All the staff, from the people cleaning and the cooks to the receptionists and the physios, they’re all so invested in you as a person and your progression.
Jacqui with her husband, Pat
“Then when you’re in your dedicated groups, you’re supporting each other the whole time. Psychologically, seeing everyone develop is amazing. It’s truly holistic.
“I went in for a physical injury but I ended up receiving mental health support too. I then got invited back six months later. It was amazing.”
Jacqui with our Sales Manager, Kevin
Jacqui has wanted to organise a fundraiser for us ever since, and as she’s approaching 60, she knew the time was now.
Having volunteered at the Lakeland 50 Ultra Trail Run for 10 years, she chose to take it on herself this year.
And while midway through, she ran into Kevin who says: “Both of us were raising money for our charity and 10 hours into the run I needed help with my head torch. Jacqui stopped to sort her torch out and helped me too with some solid advice – ‘Righty Tighty, Lefty Lucy’ – and we then realised we were both running for the same charity.
“What are the chances out of 2,500 runners that we stopped together?”
Between them, the pair have raised over £2,000 for us, while spreading vital awareness of the work we do.
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or visit the ‘Access Support’ tab in My Fire Fighters Charity.
And remember – if you’re feeling suicidal, you can call our Crisis Line 24 hours a day on 0300 373 0896.