Hi everyone, I’m Patrick Gibson, Station Manager within Coventry with West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), and I’m taking on a daring abseil challenge to raise vital funds for Violet Project CIO and their West Midlands suicide prevention support.

Every day, firefighters face danger to protect others—but some battles are fought in silence. Suicide is a leading cause of death, and too many people struggle alone, and we want to be able to support our community, along with our colleagues, to reduce the stigma and offer support where needed.

With three out of four suicides being male, and our workforce predominantly made up of men, we cannot afford to ignore this crisis. We must step up, break the stigma, and create a culture where we support each other—because lives depend on it. Creating a safe community to talk about our mental health and other factors that affect so many of our colleagues and the community.

Violet Project CIO has been supporting colleagues and the families of WMFS loved fire personnel who have unfortunately died by suicide. I want to help break the stigma, raise awareness, and support those in crisis, and help the charity expand its services across the West Midlands area.

I will be taking part in an abseil off Coventry Cathedral on 19th July (Hopefully livestreamed TBC) I hope to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health support. Every donation will go towards providing crucial resources, support groups, and intervention services for those in need.

💛 Every penny counts—please donate and help save lives.

🔥 Together, we can break the stigma and bring hope to those who need it most.

Thank you for your support! 🚒💛 #VioletProjectCIO #WMFS #wearewmfs #suicideprevention