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.
Nine-year-old Teresa Byron decided to take on her own fundraising challenge to say thanks for the support her mum, Daisy, received when she came to the charity after being medically retired from her 15-year career as an operational firefighter. For the first time ever, Hertfordshire Station Commander James Bull is opening up about his own mental health struggles in the hope it inspires other people to do the same. Only a few hours into his stag do in Magaluf in the summer of 2016, the course of James Thorpe’s life was altered in just a few seconds when he ran into the sea, fell, and broke his neck. Here, the former London and Norfolk firefighter shares his story. As a word of warning, some readers may find the account of his accident distressing. A little-known relaxation method helped Tayla Marshall combat the crippling the anxiety that had all but taken over her life. And she learned it during a visit to Jubilee House. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, Zoe was unable to work or lead a normal day-to-day life. Supported by her husband Jamie, Zoe spent time on one of our programmes after her condition began to take a toll on family life.
Daisy: “My daughter wanted to say thanks for helping her mummy”
James: “My story is not unique. But we don’t talk enough.”
James: “You don’t think you’ll ever need help. I certainly never thought I would.”
Tayla: “It was like this massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders”
Zoe & Jamie: “It has far exceeded our expectations”
