We stand with the fire services community, helping people like Drew…
Visiting one of our centres goes beyond physical rehabilitation – it can have huge mental wellbeing benefits too. And for many, it can spark up long-term friendships.
Retired on-call firefighter, Drew Sloan, is still in touch with some of the people he met at Jubilee House in 2024, where he spent a week following a cancer diagnosis. And he says the camaraderie played a huge part in his recovery.
“I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the start of 2023,” says Drew. “It was a horrendous time for me.”
Drew initially underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, supported throughout by his friends and family. He says his coping mechanism was keeping himself busy with lots of walks and time with loved ones. And while the treatment appeared to work, doctors later found part of the tumour remaining and Drew needed to have his bowel removed and a stoma bag fitted: “It was a huge blow – I thought I’d finally got through it.”
Drew finally got the ‘all clear’ In December that year – something he describes as “the best Christmas present ever”.
He remained in touch with Fire Fighters Charity throughout his procedures, and as he adapted to life after treatment, before being invited to Jubilee House on a rehabilitation programme in September 2024.
“I found it absolutely brilliant,” says Drew, “I was there for the five days, and the staff were all amazing, as were the rest of my group – it was great. I still keep in touch with some of them now.
“I really loved the swimming personally, and I noticed a huge benefit by the end. I’ve always been involved in fundraising, so it was great to see the differences funds can make.”
As a way of saying thank you, Drew organised a fundraising event to raise funds for us and another cause close to his heart – raising over £3,000.
“It was my way of giving something back after the amazing support I received”
If you can support us, more members of the fire services community will be able to access vital care and support when they need it most.
Click here to read Drew’s full story
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