Diamond Geezers!

As 2003 is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, it seems appropriate that we should feature its exceptional work in this issue of Stepping Out. The FSNBF was originally established during World War Two to help the widows and orphans of the members of the Auxiliary and National Fire Services who lost their lives in the daily battle to save lives, homes and businesses. Thankfully, today, although firefighting and rescue work is inherently dangerous, accidents and fatalities are less commonplace. Firefighters do, however, still face physical and physiological problems as a result of their work.

The FSNBF spends over five million pounds every year providing assistance to serving and retired Fire Service personnel and their dependents. It offers a wide range of services, including sheltered housing, recuperative care, rehabilitation and therapy. It also provides comprehensive financial support, to those who need it, as a result of death or disability.

To celebrate its Diamond Jubilee, the charity is organising a number of special events and initiatives. The main celebration took place on June 29th at London's Royal Albert Hall. A gala evening, entitled "Spirit of Fire" gave all of those who work tirelessly for the FSNBF a chance to celebrate its achievements. A group of New York firefighters attended the gala, in recognition of the special relationship which has developed post 9 - 11 with the NY Fire Department. FSNBF is also publishing a book called "Out of the Flames" which charts the sixty year history of the fund.

Apart from initiatives such as these and the activities of firefighters themselves, who do a vast amount of fundraising for the FSNBF, the fund relies on donations from the general public. There are lots of ways individuals can get involved. Full details are available on the funds web site, www.fsnbf.org.uk.

FSNBF's fundraising department can be contacted by phone on 01903 736063 or by email: fundraising@fsnbf.org.uk

We would like to offer our congratulations to FSNBF and wish them well with their Diamond anniversary celebrations.

(Picture from the fsnbf.org.uk)