Brian: “The fire service is a family – having Living Well Groups keeps us in touch”
When retired firefighter Brian Hull’s wife passed away in 2019, he received support from his former colleagues through the Charity’s Living Well Groups.
Real life story categories
Find out how The Fire Fighters Charity has supported beneficiaries 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.
Maureen: “I don’t think of myself as a carer, I’m his wife, that’s what I’d do”
Maureen Allen has been caring for her retired firefighter husband Clive for two years following a major stroke. Here, she reveals how we've supported both of them through some of their most difficult times.
Nigel: “The Charity helped our family, we wanted to give something back”
For retired firefighter Nigel Brown, the fire service has become ingrained in his family history. Now he reveals why he is gifting part of his father’s estate to the Charity, as a thank you for the years of support they’ve received.
Chris: “In our job, there’s lots of testosterone flying about – you just need to ask for help”
When firefighter Chris Smyth suffered a sudden health scare, it triggered months of crippling anxiety. But after reaching out to the Charity, he says he’s finally found the help he needed to feel in control again.
Owen: “It’s a safety net when you feel you’re going to step off the tight rope”
When Owen Spiers managed to overcome 20 years of addiction, he thought he’d finally beaten his demons. However, his mental health later hit rock bottom and he says the Charity was a major lifeline.