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Real life story categories

Find out how Fire Fighters Charity has supported service users across the UK and how you can share your story with the fire community. Click categories or regions below to filter the list of stories.

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Share your story

Category: Retirement

An older man and woman sit closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. They are surrounded by wooden picnic tables and a white fence in the background on a sunny day.

Pat: “Fire Fighters Charity has helped keep me connected to the fire family after my husband died”

When Pat Johnson’s beloved husband, Bill, passed away, she not only received support from her own family – but her wider “fire family” too. She shares how, through stays at our centres and Living Well Groups, she’s gone on to establish lifelong friendships.

19 Dec 2025

A smiling man wearing a helmet, shorts, and a backpack is riding a black bicycle on a paved path with grass and trees in the background.

Tony: “We’re a family, no matter who we are, and the charity will always be there for us”

Tony Terry retired from the fire service over 20 years ago – but he says visiting our centre following an operation felt like “being back in the fire service again”.

03 Dec 2025

Gerry: “You’ve made such a difference to my life. Thanks to you, I’ve got my independence back”

Our Welfare Team was able to support retired firefighter Gerry Wallbank at an incredibly challenging time, allowing him to regain vital independence for the first time in months.

22 Apr 2025

Steve: “I think firefighters my age can be too proud… don’t dismiss it, this is our charity”

Retired Greater Manchester firefighter Steve Dyer recently spent a week at Marine Court for some time to rest and recharge after a series of health battles.

09 Jan 2025

Carole: “I’m living a normal, happy life now in retirement – and it’s all thanks to the charity.”

Carole Whittaker is married to retired Dorset firefighter, Pete, and received support from us at Jubilee House following a hip operation. She says she feels “privileged and blessed” by her experience.

04 Dec 2024

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Royal Patron: His Majesty The King
Fire Fighters Charity, Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4HG
Registered charity in England and Wales (1093387), Scotland (SC040096) and Isle of Man (1363)
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