I have run and walked for different charities in the past. This time, I am running for a charity that has not only helped Steve, but also helped me when I needed it. It’s very humbling to be the recipient of such generosity and support. I am running the London Marathon for the Fire Fighters Charity as a way to give back. 

I first heard about the Fire Fighters Charity when I met Steve in 2016. He was running 20 marathons in a year to support three charities that helped him in his times of need. One of those was of course, the Fire Fighters Charity. 

Steve’s wife Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she bravely battled it for many years. The Charity was there for them to provide respite after treatment, and they also helped Steve when he suffered the unimaginable loss of Sharon, his wife of 20 years. 

In 2018, Steve was recognized for his fundraising efforts for the year he ran 20 marathons. He was a finalist in the Beneficiary of Courage category for the Spirit of Fire Awards given by the Fire Fighters Charity. I was honored to attend this with him, and I was able to witness the help that they have provided to so many. In particular, I was touched by those who were helped by their mental health awareness campaign. 

In June of 2019, I was able to attend a week away at Harcombe House fully supported by the Charity. 

I never could have imagined how incredible my week would be. I was able to attend gym sessions, swim sessions and most importantly for me, therapy sessions. My therapist was able to help me with some issues I had been struggling with. I also met some amazing friends that week. It never occurred to me that I would make life-long friends while I was there. 

While I was there, I of course heard the stories of all of my new friends. Whether they were there for physical or psychological rehabilitation, they all felt as though they had greatly benefitted from the services they received. We all agreed that the stress-free environment, along with the workshops, gym sessions, pools sessions, rehab sessions and the meals provided were an amazing experience that we were grateful to have been able to benefit from.

We all know that firefighters are the bravest. They put their lives on the line every day when they report to work. I think we forget sometimes that not only are they in risk of physical danger, but they are emotionally at risk as well. They see things no one should see. This puts their mental well-being at risk. Luckily, the Fire Fighters Charity is there to help. 

Please consider a donation to this incredible charity. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to find out more about this incredible charity and they ways they help others. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.