Rich: “We join this job to help people… what we’re not so great at is helping ourselves”
Rich Welch, Assistant Chief Fire Office with Avon FRS, shares how a call to us following the Grenfell Tower tragedy proved life-changing for him.
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As Youth Intervention Lead with Avon FRS – and married to a firefighter – Laura Savory already knew about Fire Fighters Charity. What she didn’t realise was just how impactful one phone call could be. They’re words we hear all too often: “I thought someone else needed it more” – but as Steve Quinton, Area Manager with Avon FRS, found, support from Fire Fighters Charity is available at every stage of life. Phil Martin, Chief Fire Officer of the Isles of Scilly FRS, says fundraising for us is incredibly close to his heart, after we helped him return to work following a major injury. Devon and Somerset Station Manager, Ben Weedon, has been having Outpatient appointments during his recovery from prostate cancer – which he says have helped him get back on the run.
Laura: “Going to the centre alone was out of my comfort zone… but it was amazing”
Steve: “I felt guilty, like I wasn’t ‘bad enough’ – but I learned I was entitled to help all along”
Phil: “We’re incredibly privileged… there’s very few people fortunate enough to have access to these amazing services”
Ben: “Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ hit like a bowling ball… I’m so grateful for the charity’s support”