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.
Ian Cruikshank, a Northern Ireland firefighter, has had support for several years from our nurses at Jubilee House and says they’ve been a valuable part of his physical and mental journey. Northern Ireland firefighter Keith Shields faced months off work when he was left dealing with long-term symptoms of Covid-19 – before being told he had three blocked arteries in his heart. He says our Hope Programme helped him deal with the mental toll it had on him. Northern Ireland firefighter Stephen Rea attended one of our Child and Family Weeks with his son Ethan, who has cerebral palsy. He says the Charity’s support over the years has been vital to him as a parent. Northern Ireland firefighter, Stephen Smyth, has been supported by the Charity after sustaining an ankle injury in a motorbike accident. Here he reveals how he’s been helped with both his physical and mental health. 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.
Ian: “The nursing team helped me come to terms with having MND and re-gain some independence”
Keith: “The Hope Programme helped remove all the anxiety and pressure I was feeling”
Stephen: “I couldn’t have coped without the Charity over the years”
Stephen: “I can’t speak highly enough about the Charity, it really helps”
Owen: “It’s a safety net when you feel you’re going to step off the tight rope”
