The money we raise through our Superdraw makes a big difference for people like Steve...

Steve Dyer spent more than 30 years as an operational firefighter, working across both Lancashire and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services, so knows first-hand the huge pressures that come with the job.

However, he says the pride he felt for the role has always stuck with him even now, more than 20 years after retiring.

“I was born in Oldham, but I was made in the British Fire Service,” says Steve. “To serve the public like we did… I’m still proud of it now.

“It’s a highly pressured job, but it’s how you cope with the pressures. We had to have a sense of humour, because when tragedy is around you sometimes, all you have left is humour. If you’ve got the right welfare support there, firefighters will ultimately be better off.”

Steve always knew about the health and wellbeing services we offer, but only accessed them more recently in retirement.

“I’ve had some medical problems since I left the service… I’ve suffered with atrial fibrillation and had four separate procedures for that, as well as incredibly painful gout, which I did nothing about for 10 years,” says Steve. “That debilitating time really hit me, as a very independent person.”

Steve was offered a Rest and Recharge stay at Marine Court, our centre in West Sussex, for some much-needed time out.

“The way that we’re looked after, it’s like being back in the family again,” he says.

“To have support there, at that minute of time, it’s just worth its weight in gold. It’s somewhere you can turn to, and I think firefighters from my age group can be too proud and not use it – but it’s here, so don’t dismiss it. It’s our charity.”

We can’t continue to support people like Steve without you. Our Fire Fighters Lottery is a great way to help our fire family and be in with the chance of picking up a prize too.

We're here to support all of our fire family and their dependants. For more information and to find out if you’d benefit from our support, please visit: How we help - Fire Fighters Charity.

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