Sometimes, all it takes is a photo or comment to trigger a memory – and for Stephen Dyer, a scroll through his Facebook memories brought the support we offer back to the forefront of his mind, more than 20 years after retiring.
Stephen worked for Lancashire FRS for seven years, then 27 years with Greater Manchester FRS, supporting us throughout and hearing about the help we offer. However, he’d forgotten that our support stretches beyond retirement and lasts a lifetime.
Having been reminded, Stephen got in touch with us to see how we may be able to support him following a series of health battles – and he was invited to Marine Court for some rest and rehabilitation shortly after.
“I’ve had some medical problems since I left the service… I’ve suffered with atrial fibrillation and had four separate procedures for that,” says Stephen.
“I’ve also suffered from gout, which is a really painful experience, and for 10 years I did nothing about it, I just soaked the pain up. That debilitating time really hit me, as a very independent person, knowing I had to rely more on people.
“Then I was partly diagnosed with heart failure, caused by the atrial fibrillation, which was a big shock. The muscle was weakened.”
He adds: “I was looking at Facebook memories, and the charity came up. I reflected back and thought, ‘I’ve had this health problem, this health problem, this health problem…’ do you know what, I need to see what’s available, because I’m not getting younger.
“That’s one of the main reasons why I got in touch, to see what’s available.
“[When we arrived], we got an introduction and tour with a wonderful chap who took us round this tremendous establishment.
“The location is beautiful, and I actually had my eyes opened to exactly what was purchased years ago, how well it’s looked after, how pristine it is, and obviously speaking to colleagues that are here, I’ve no doubt it’s absolutely correct that these people are top of the game in what they provide.
“The way that we’re looked after, the food that’s provided, the friendliness of all the staff, it’s like being back in the family again, which is what I believe the British Fire Service was always about when I was in the job.”
Stephen shared a message to anyone else reading his story, particularly those who’ve retired: “You never know when you’ll need it. I never needed the assistance of this charity when I was a young person, but as you get to 72 years of age and maybe further down the line, you just never know what’s round the corner.
“To have something there, at that minute of time, that can give you support, well, it’s just worth its weight in gold when you actually need it.
“It’s somewhere you can turn to, and I think firefighters from my age group can be too proud and not use it – but it’s here, so don’t dismiss it, because it’s our charity.”
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.