“I was confined downstairs - Fire Fighters Charity helped me access a life-changing stairlift”

I’ve always suffered with pain in my knees, likely down to wear and tear from a 22-year career as a firefighter. But my life changed completely last year when I had an operation on both legs – which fell around the time I also lost my wife, Agnes.

All of a sudden I was completely bedbound for several weeks, dealing with losing Agnes, and relying on her wonderful daughter to help me get by.

I slowly learned to walk short distances, but I was unable to climb the stairs. I’d recently had the upstairs bathroom refurbished, but I couldn’t reach it, so was reliant on very basic facilities downstairs – all while sleeping in my living room.

I’d always donated to Fire Fighters Charity monthly, throughout my career with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, but I never considered reaching out for help at the time. I actually assumed the support was only for injuries or illnesses.

When everything happened last year, someone suggested I contact them to see if I could get any help. I knew I’d need a stairlift, but I was really worried about the hit it would have financially.

The charity was amazing. Someone from the welfare team visited me at home, did a financial assessment, and told me they could help towards funding a lift. They applied for a grant which covered accessing the lift for me. I couldn’t believe it - I was over the moon.

Having the stairlift now has completely changed my living situation, I have double the space accessible again and two bedrooms with a proper bathroom. I can’t thank them enough.

Click here to read Ray’s full story

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