The Fire Fighters Charity has reported that a West Yorkshire firefighter has broken the world record for the most chest-to-floor burpees completed in 24 hours.
Legacy donations and record fundraising boost Fire Fighters Charity
Fundraising successes and partnerships drive Fire Fighters Charity income
The Fire Fighters Charity has announced a remarkable year of fundraising in 2024, with £1.84 million raised through legacy donations.
Supporters contributed to the charity’s success through various events, recycling initiatives, and corporate partnerships.
Fundraising highlights included the London Marathon, which generated over £60,000, and the Fire Fighters Charity Golf Cup, which raised £19,000.
Other notable efforts included a 110-mile tribute walk by the Woolridge family and a football match organised by Norfolk firefighters, which raised £26,000.
Recycling campaign generates £650,000 in 2024
The Bag it and Bank it campaign saw significant success, raising over £100,000 in January alone.
Over the course of the year, 480 tonnes of clothing were collected, generating £650,000.
This initiative not only provided vital funds but also diverted large amounts of clothing from landfills, underscoring the campaign’s dual environmental and financial impact.
Corporate partnerships strengthen fundraising efforts
Corporate partnerships played a crucial role in the charity’s 2024 fundraising achievements.
Collaborations with organisations such as Tuffking, Frequentis, and Polygon provided substantial financial support.
FireAngel, Frequentis, and Brooklin Claims named the charity as their charity of the year, while additional contributions came from companies like Aico, Motorola Solutions, and NEC Software Solutions.
Regular donor income exceeded £1.6 million, with one-off donations contributing an additional £215,000.
Campaigns and appeals support essential services
The charity also launched two appeals in 2024, focusing on its Nursing and Welfare Services Teams, raising over £13,000.
In addition to large-scale events, individual fundraising efforts made an impact.
For instance, some supporters undertook personal challenges such as monthly climbs of Snowdon or the Three Peaks challenge, raising essential funds to support the charity’s mission.
Fire Fighters Charity raises £1.8m through legacy donations in 2024: Summary
The Fire Fighters Charity raised £1.84 million from legacies in 2024, alongside £650,000 from recycling campaigns.
Corporate partnerships provided vital financial support, while regular donors contributed £1.6 million, complemented by £215,000 in one-off donations.
Major fundraising events included the London Marathon and the Fire Fighters Charity Golf Cup, with additional support from community and individual initiatives.
These efforts have enabled the charity to continue supporting the fire services community across the UK.
Fire Fighters Charity 2023/24 annual report highlights support for UK fire and rescue services
Trustees and senior leaders present Fire Fighters Charity annual report highlights
The Fire Fighters Charity has published its 2023/24 annual report, coinciding with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) attended by trustees, company members, and the senior leadership team.
The report outlines key activities from the past year, including health and wellbeing services provided to fire and rescue service communities across the UK.
It features contributions from Chief Executive Sherine Wheeler and Chair of the Board of Trustees John Baines, alongside stories from beneficiaries and an overview of fundraising efforts.
Sherine Wheeler stated: “For over 80 years, we have been at the heart of fire and rescue service communities across the UK, working alongside Services to provide health and wellbeing care, advice, and support – a lifeline to thousands of fire family members.”
Fire Fighters Charity Crisis Line marks a milestone
The report highlights the launch of the charity’s Crisis Line in November 2023, designed to assist individuals in crisis, including those at risk of suicide.
John Baines commented: “The launch of our Crisis Line in November 2023 was a shining example of the way our services meet the needs of our community.
“While, of course, I wish no one would ever have to ring our Crisis Line, I have been heartened to hear how many people it has been able to help during the first few months of operation.”
The Crisis Line represents one of several initiatives aimed at addressing the mental health challenges within the fire and rescue service community.
Fire Fighters Charity’s vision for the future
The charity’s leadership detailed plans for the year ahead, focusing on evidence-based strategies to improve services and prevent poor health outcomes at early stages.
Sherine Wheeler said: “In the years ahead, through renewed clarity, focus, and evidence-based approaches, we will improve and develop our services, working to prevent poor health and wellbeing outcomes as early as possible.”
The report also includes a breakdown of fundraising achievements, demonstrating the continued support of donors and volunteers who enable the charity to deliver its services.
Beneficiaries share personal experiences
The report features stories from individuals who have benefited from the charity’s services, including those who have faced crises such as suicide.
These testimonials underscore the importance of accessible mental health support, such as the Crisis Line, in helping members of the fire and rescue service community.
John Baines added: “As suicide sadly continues to impact far too many families and fire and rescue services across the UK, it is only right that we provide whatever support we can for people in crisis.”
Fire Fighters Charity 2023/24 annual report highlights: Summary
The Fire Fighters Charity has released its 2023/24 annual report, outlining its health and wellbeing services for fire and rescue service communities across the UK.
The report highlights key achievements, including the launch of the Crisis Line to support individuals in crisis, stories from beneficiaries, and a focus on future service improvements.
Contributions from Chief Executive Sherine Wheeler and Chair of Trustees John Baines provide insights into the charity’s vision and commitment to addressing challenges within the fire and rescue community.
The report also emphasises fundraising efforts and the critical role of donors and volunteers in enabling the charity’s work.
His Majesty King Charles III becomes Patron of The Fire Fighters Charity
The King accepts Patronage of The Fire Fighters Charity
His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the Patronage of The Fire Fighters Charity.
This announcement coincides with the anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation and continues the Royal Patronage that began with Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The late Queen held the Patronage for 69 years until her death in September 2022, expressing great affection for the charity throughout her reign.
Chief Executive Sherine Wheeler expressed the organisation’s pride in welcoming The King as their new Patron.
Wheeler said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as one of His Majesty’s charities and are immeasurably proud to welcome The King as our Patron.
“The Patronage of The late Queen, over almost seven decades, reflected the high regard in which our fire and rescue services – and those who work for them – are held by the Royal Household.
“So, I am delighted that we can continue to honour this legacy under the Patronage of His Majesty The King.”
Continued royal support for The Fire Fighters Charity
The Fire Fighters Charity has a long history of support from the Royal Household.
Queen Elizabeth II referred to the organisation as an “outstanding charity” in a letter marking their Diamond Jubilee year.
John Baines, Chair of The Fire Fighters Charity’s Trustee Board, echoed the sentiment of gratitude: “On behalf of the Charity’s Board of Trustees, all our beneficiaries, and indeed all those who work for our fire and rescue services, I am proud to welcome His Majesty The King as Patron of The Fire Fighters Charity.”
In recent years, the charity has worked closely with The Royal Foundation and has been part of the Emergency Responder Senior Leaders Board.
This collaboration included a visit from Prince William, the then Duke of Cambridge, to Harcombe House in 2019, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the charity and the Royal Family.
Legacy of royal patronage
The Fire Fighters Charity began its Royal Patronage with Queen Elizabeth II when she became the Patron of the then Fire Services National Benevolent Fund.
Her 69-year Patronage helped the charity grow and receive recognition for its services to fire and rescue personnel.
Sherine Wheeler emphasised the importance of this legacy: “The Patronage of The late Queen reflected the high regard in which our fire and rescue services are held by the Royal Household.
“Continuing this under the Patronage of His Majesty The King is a significant honour for us.”
Commitment to supporting fire and rescue services
The Fire Fighters Charity remains dedicated to supporting those who serve in fire and rescue roles.
Their work, bolstered by Royal Patronage, continues to provide essential services and support to firefighters and their families.
Retired firefighter completes equatorial run for Fire Fighters Charity
An inspirational journey
David Gill, a retired firefighter, recently completed on a remarkable challenge: running the equivalent of the Earth’s equator’s length.
This endeavour spanned eight years, during which Gill ran 8 miles daily.
His journey culminated in completing the 24,901 miles, equivalent to the equator, by running his final mile on the equator itself in Borneo.
The challenge begins
Gill, now 62, retired in 2012 after serving with South Yorkshire FRS and later in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
His passion for running intertwined with his love for travel, sparking the idea for this fundraiser during a trip to Australia in 2015.
There, he started running eight miles daily, traversing diverse landscapes from cities to deserts.
Scaling up the goal
Initially, Gill aimed to run daily for a year, then extended this to 1,000 days, and eventually to 2,000 days.
He strictly adhered to this regimen, only allowing a day off for travel if compensated with an additional run the previous day.
The equator challenge
The idea of running the distance of the equator emerged around the 1,200-day mark.
To reach his goal by a specific date, Gill increased his daily mileage, finishing on November 27, 2023, exactly eight years after starting.
The final mile and beyond
Gill’s final runs took place in Borneo, where the equator crosses near Pontianak.
Supported by locals, he completed his last mile on the equator.
His wife, Wendy, and his daughter’s family celebrated his achievement, presenting him with a custom-made medal.
Charity and personal connection
Gill’s efforts raised over £1,200 for The Fire Fighters Charity as a gesture of gratitude for their support, especially for his sciatica, a condition stemming from his previous career as a coal miner.
Gill’s connection with the charity also extended to his role in Scotland, where he referred colleagues to the charity during long-term sickness.
IFSJ Comment
David Gill’s extraordinary feat of running the equivalent of the Earth’s equator length is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
This accomplishment serves as an inspiration not only to the firefighting community but to anyone facing daunting challenges.
Gill’s initiative also highlights the significant role charities like The Fire Fighters Charity play in supporting individuals during difficult times.
His contribution goes beyond personal achievement, fostering a sense of community and underlining the importance of giving back.
As we witness such endeavours, it reinforces the value of setting ambitious goals and the power of perseverance in achieving them.
Fire Fighters Charity Crisis Line records 24 calls in its inaugural month
The Fire Fighters Charity’s newly launched Crisis Line, a dedicated support service for fire service personnel grappling with suicidal thoughts, marked its first month of operation with 24 calls.
This initiative, rolled out on 1 November, represents a significant step in addressing the mental health challenges faced by those in the fire service, who are frequently exposed to traumatic events.
The need for the Crisis Line
The launch of the Crisis Line was a response to the heightened risk of suicide among fire service personnel.
A study by Nottingham Trent University, commissioned by The Fire Fighters Charity and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), underscored this risk.
Surveying over 3,000 UK fire and rescue service personnel, the research revealed concerns about mental wellbeing in the sector, impacted by sleep disruption, occupational stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression.
The Charity reported at least 20 suicides in the past three years, emphasising the urgent need for such a resource.
Operational highlights and support
Sharon Bailey, Director of Beneficiary Services at The Fire Fighters Charity, stressed the importance of the Crisis Line, acknowledging the tragedy of each suicide.
The line, staffed by clinicians familiar with the unique pressures of fire service work, aims to provide a safety net to prevent such tragedies.
The Crisis Line’s setup and first-year costs were funded by the Blue Light Card Foundation (BLCF), with subsequent year funding agreed by fire and rescue services, supported by the NFCC.
Chief Executive Dr Jill Tolfrey highlighted the need for continued public support to address suicide and provide comprehensive mental health support across the UK’s fire services community.
Broader impact and community support
The Crisis Line’s impact extends beyond the individual, as a death by suicide has a devastating effect on families, friends, colleagues, and the wider community.
Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC, emphasised this broader impact, particularly in the close-knit environment of fire and rescue services.
The service, backed by the NFCC and UK fire and rescue services, offers immediate, individual support by clinicians, available 24/7.
The Crisis Line’s number is 0300 373 0896, and further resources are available online at the Charity’s website.
IFSJ Comment
The launch of The Fire Fighters Charity’s Crisis Line is a significant development in the mental health support landscape for UK fire service personnel.
It addresses a critical gap in services for those at risk of suicide, exacerbated by the unique stressors of their profession.
The 24 calls in its first month demonstrate both the need and the trust placed in this new service.
However, this is just the start.
Continued funding and public support are crucial for the sustainability of such initiatives.
The collaborative effort by various organisations and the broader community in supporting this initiative is a testament to the importance of mental health awareness and support in high-risk professions like firefighting.
Fire Fighter’s Charity Publishes 2022/23 Impact Report
The Fire Fighters Charity has released its 2022/23 Impact Report, highlighting its activities and achievements over the past year.
The report, coinciding with the Charity’s Annual General Meeting, offers a comprehensive look at their work and impact, including touching stories from those they supported.
Reflecting on a year of achievement and challenges
The report pays tribute to the late Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and outlines the progress in the third year of the Charity’s Strategic Plan.
It focuses on innovation and overcoming challenges, including the COVID pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
The Charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, comments on the year
Dr Jill Tolfrey, Chief Executive of the Charity, expressed her delight in reporting another successful year.
She said: “I am once again delighted to be able to report back to you on the highlights of another successful year, both in terms of our impact on the health and wellbeing of the fire services community, and in terms of the incredible support you once again showed to us.”
Impact Report: Financial and service delivery highlights
The report details significant financial achievements, including £227,148 raised by Fire Family Fundraisers and over £221,700 in one-off donations.
It also celebrates service delivery milestones, like supporting over 10,000 beneficiaries and delivering 15 Hope Programmes.
Chair of the Board of Trustees, John Baines, on Digital Services
John Baines, Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the Charity’s advancements in digital services, reaching a milestone of 10,000 digital consultations: “Reaching our 10,000th digital consultation was a significant milestone that is worth our reflection and praise for the teams involved.
“Today we are able to bring members of our physical and psychological services teams into people’s homes, meaning we can support thousands more who would otherwise be unable to attend one of our centres.”
He emphasised the importance of these services in supporting more people across the UK, especially those unable to attend the centres.
Emphasis on Future Goals
While celebrating current achievements, the report also focuses on future goals, including reaching on-call firefighters, beneficiaries in devolved nations, and ‘hard to reach’ groups like the retired community and dependants.
IFSJ Comment
The Fire Fighters Charity’s 2022/23 Impact Report demonstrates the organisation’s resilience and adaptability in the face of significant challenges.
The report showcases the Charity’s financial successes and service delivery milestones and its commitment to evolving and expanding its digital services.
This development is crucial for reaching more beneficiaries and adapting to the changing needs of the fire services community.
The report highlights the importance of such organisations in supporting the mental and physical health of firefighters and their families, underlining their critical role in our society.
Prince William endorses the Fire Fighters Charity’s new crisis line
Fire Fighters Charity introduces 24/7 crisis support line
The Fire Fighters Charity has officially launched a 24/7 crisis line to offer direct support to current and former fire service personnel struggling with suicidal thoughts.
This new helpline was unveiled at the Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium and aims to fill a critical gap in mental health support for emergency responders.
The Crisis Line, which can be reached at 0300 373 0896, received backing from HRH The Prince of Wales and The Royal Foundation, marking a significant development in mental health advocacy for firefighters.
HRH The Prince of Wales acknowledges the effort of emergency responders
During the symposium, a video message from His Royal Highness was broadcast, in which he acknowledged the significance of the crisis line and expressed gratitude for the continuous efforts of emergency responders.
He also praised the network of charities and services dedicated to supporting the emergency responder community.
Collaborative funding and suicide prevention resources
The launch follows the release of a set of online suicide prevention and postvention resources tailored for the fire services community.
The resources, available at the Fire Fighters Charity’s website, provide crucial information for individuals affected by suicide or those concerned about themselves or someone else.
Funding for the first year of the crisis line has been provided by the Blue Light Card Foundation, with subsequent support pledged by all fire and rescue services for two more years.
Dr Jill Tolfrey, the Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, along with Sharon Bailey, Director of Beneficiary Services, Joss Gaynor, Director of Health Improvement & Influencing, and other colleagues, participated in the symposium.
Sharon Bailey was involved in a panel discussion that addressed the complex issue of suicide within emergency services, covering topics from individual support to crisis intervention.
Furthermore, one of the Charity’s beneficiaries joined a family panel to address the challenges emergency responder families face and to identify practical solutions.
IFSJ Comment
In the face of increasing awareness of mental health issues among emergency service personnel, the Fire Fighters Charity’s launch of a 24/7 crisis line is a timely and crucial step in providing accessible support.
With the endorsement of Prince William and the involvement of a broad network of emergency service charities, the Charity has positioned itself as a pivotal resource for those in the firefighting community seeking help.
The collaborative approach, not only in funding but also in sharing experiences and strategies, demonstrates a unified front in tackling the often-overlooked issue of mental health in this sector.
Fire Fighters Charity launches urgent appeal after coronavirus fundraising downturn
The Fire Fighters Charity has launched an urgent appeal for new donors after its usual fundraising income fell by around £200,000 per month during the lockdown period.
The charity, which offers specialist mental health, physical health and social well-being support to members of the UK’s fire services community, receives no Government funding and relies on its fundraising income to raise the £10 million it needs each year to operate its national services in support of over 55,000 members of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services and their dependants, as well as the retired fire services community.
However, the cancellation of all face-to-face fundraising and mass participation events over the past few months and, it would seem, for much of the rest of 2020, means that the organisation’s income is falling short by hundreds of thousands of pounds each month.
CEO Dr Jill Tolfrey has explained why the charity decided to launch an urgent appeal aimed at all those across the fire services community, as well as those who admire and support it. “This is an unprecedented time for the Fire Fighters Charity. We’ve never before faced such an extended period of time without any traditional fundraising activity and, for an organisation that’s almost entirely funded through the generosity of its supporters, we need to find a way to turn this around.”
Tolfrey continued: “I’m therefore hoping that this urgent appeal will strike a chord with those generous individuals and every member of our incredible fire service family. From front line firefighters to support and control staff, retired personnel and everyone for whom we provide our services, we will always be there for you when you need us, but right now we need you. Please start donating today and let’s navigate this tough time together.”