Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Thursday, 21 November 2024 15:21

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.

During her visit, Ms. Griffiths met the staff and toured the facilities at Marine Court, where the charity has been supporting the fire services community since first opening its doors in 1965.

Marine Court is one of three centres through which Fire Fighters Charity provides clinical care, wellbeing and practical support and information and advice for serving and retired fire and rescue service personnel and their families.

Ms. Griffiths also met West Sussex firefighter and Station Manager Phil Maynard, who received support at Marine Court following a hip replacement surgery in 2019.

Speaking about his experience, Phil said:

“Fire Fighters Charity were there for me during some of the hardest chapters of my life – from the loss of my brother through to physiotherapy following a hip replacement.

"To have their continued support has been life changing. I’m quite sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

"To have lifetime access to this level of support is phenomenal - there’s no other charity that provides this kind of service.”

Earlier this month, two WSFRS firefighters, Jordie O’Hara and Katie Gray, based at Littlehampton fire station, walked the length of the county to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

The pair took on the 52-mile journey from East Grinstead Fire Station to Selsey Fire Station in full fire kit and breathing apparatus, raising £1,200 for the charity and the Chestnut Tree House hospice.

This holiday season, the Fire Fighters Charity is calling on community groups, companies, and individuals to raise funds through festive activities for its Fire Family Christmas campaign.