April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and with more people being diagnosed than ever before, we dedicated the latest episode of our Shout! Podcast to spotlighting the disease and raising awareness within the fire services community.

We highlight some of the early signs and symptoms, hear a first-hand experience of living with the disease and share how Fire Fighters Charity can offer support throughout.

First up, we heard from Linda Parker, who works in the risk department at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year at the age of 65, and has since been supported at Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria.

And finally, we were joined by Fire Fighters Charity’s Nursing Services Lead, Kath Savage, who talked through some key guidance around Parkinson’s and the different ways her team supports people living with the condition.

Do you work in the UK’s fire services community? Are you aware that you may be eligible for our support too? You can find out more about the support we offer below.

Important links:

• Find out more about Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.
• Parkinson’s awareness further information: Parkinson's Awareness - Fire Fighters Charity
• Seek support from Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/need-help or call the Support Line directly on: 0800 3898820.
• Find out more about our nursing support: Our nursing team - Fire Fighters Charity
• Find out more about getting involved and fundraising opportunities: Get involved - Fire Fighters Charity
• Get in touch with the show by emailing: marketing@firefighterscharity.org.uk

Support the show

In this episode, we take a look at some of the varied roles across the fire service, and how our support stretches further than people may think.

We hear from Jonathan Honeyman, who’s an experienced dog handler and fire investigation officer. He shares the incredible journeys of two of his fire investigation dogs - including how one of them went on to receive a commendation for his help following a devastating incident.

We also caught up with Louise Dalton-Kennedy. She’s a Community Safety Advocate with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as being one of our Station Reps. Louise talks about what a typical day looks like for her, and shares how our support played an important role in her recovery after two injuries.

And we were also joined by Fire Fighters Charity’s Fire Chaplain, Jacquetta Gomes. Jacquetta supports service users at Jubilee House, our centre in Cumbria, and shares what it’s like to see, first-hand, the difference our support can make.

Important links:

• Find out more about Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.
• Find out more about the HOPE Programme: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/hope.
• Seek support from Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/need-help or call the Support Line directly on: 0800 3898820.
• Find out more about getting involved and fundraising opportunities: Get involved - Fire Fighters Charity
• Get in touch with the show by emailing: marketing@firefighterscharity.org.uk

Support the show

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible achievements of firefighters who balance their demanding roles with extraordinary sporting challenges.

Join us as we hear from Mark Peart, who ran the London Marathon in full fire kit and breathing apparatus – setting a world record in the process - and Teresa Waplington, who shares her journey as a firefighter and athlete.

We also hear from firefighter Andy Mitchell, a contestant on TV show Gladiators, and Chief Fire Officer Mark Baxter who's truly leading by example with a personal challenge of his own.

Discover the motivations behind their fundraising efforts and how they inspire others in the fire services community.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(03:07) Mark discusses appearing on SAS Who Dares Wins in 2018

(08:25) Mark discusses completing the London Marathon in full fire kit and under air

(16:46) Teresa Wapllington from Gloucestershire Fire Service discusses her fundraising and firefighter challenges

(19:51) Teresa has seen the difference the charity makes to her colleagues

(26:37) Teresa discusses completing a Burpees challenge in memory of Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan

(33:07) Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service shares his fundraising and sporting achievements

(40:55) Mark talks through his training plan for the run

(46:38) Andy Mitchell shares how he has been in the fire service for 18 years

(49:47) Andy finds mental wellbeing benefits from regular exercise outside of the job

(51:30) Andy’s incredible appearance in the TV show Gladiators

Important links:

• Find out more about Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk.
• Seek support from Fire Fighters Charity: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/need-help or call the Support Line directly on: 0800 3898820.
• Find out more about getting involved and fundraising opportunities: Get involved - Fire Fighters Charity
• Read Mark’s story: Firefighter’s record-breaking marathon in full breathing apparatus - Fire Fighters Charity
• Get in touch with the show by emailing: marketing@firefighterscharity.org.uk

Support the show