“When something like that happens to you, it throws you back,” he says. “As a fit person, I never thought illness would strike me, but illness can strike anybody any time. A facility like this brings the positive out of you, to say yes, you do have an illness, but you still have to life. And live a better life as well.”
Upon arrival, Merhban was assessed by a qualified practitioner who then created a bespoke programme of activity at an appropriate level of fitness for his condition, saying they could adapt it accordingly if he wished.
“The programme, the drive, the motivation, it’s great. You spend quality time on yourself, so that when you go back, you go back as a different person. Coming here makes you realise where you are with your health so when you go back you can continue on doing the job. It’s their job to get you started, it’s up to you to stay on that path and continue that journey.
“It’s a facility for all fire and rescue people to use, regardless of role or position. Collectively as an emergency service we should all be supporting The Fire Fighters Charity.”