Friday 11th March 2022 marked 45 years since our lovely dad, Douglas, dedicated his life to a career in the fire service, saving lives for a living. On that same day, our dad died by suicide after a relentless, enduring, and agonising battle with mental illness. The only fire we could not find the tools to put out, despite all efforts, was the one blazing every minute in his mind.

Our dad was not only a hero to us, but to so many strangers he had never even met. He was a man who ran towards danger to help anyone in need - on or off duty - he was fearless. One day he was even late for a date night with our mum, showing up covered head to toe in soot and ash, having just ran into a burning building that he came across on the way to rescue a woman trapped inside. Courageous firefighters, like our dad, tend to be unsung heroes, who not only battle to put out roaring fires, but are the first to show up to devastating catastrophes and car accidents. They work tirelessly to save lives and make a difference in their communities daily. It really takes a special kind of person to become a firefighter, and we couldn’t be prouder of Dougie.

The fire service was not just a job for our dad, but home to many of his dearest friends and a community of people who supported him through the highs and lows – more of a fire family in my dad’s eyes. Their good sense of humour, banter, and pranks on each other, was sometimes medicinal given the challenges they face and the tragedies they witness on the job. After his injuries following the Clutha Vaults Helicopter crash, he received incredible support at The Jubilee House Rehabilitation Centre, surrounded by stunning scenery in the foothills of the Lake District. Since 1995, through The Fire Fighters charity, Jubilee House has supported thousands of firefighters, with a fantastic team of physiotherapists, nurses, psychological therapists providing vital physical and mental health support. It was a place of sanctuary for our dad, where he found many moments of peace to quieten his racing mind on his journey of recovery from both physical and psychological injuries. In true Dougie style, forever befriending strangers everywhere he went, he also made some of his life-long friends there along the way.

That’s why my brother and I, have decided to run our first half marathon together, to raise awareness and funds for the wonderful work of The Fire Fighter Charity. The rehabilitation services they provide truly support fire fighters to live healthier and happier lives. Our firefighters are always there for us when we need them most, it’s so important we are there for them too. If you could spare any pennies to help us reach our target, that would mean the absolute world to us. Every penny will help more fire fighters like my Dad, access the tools to extinguish the fires in their mind.

On Sunday 1st October, we are taking part in Glasgow’s Great Scottish Run, in memory of our dearest Dad, who we miss more than words could ever capture. It’s in your legacy Dad, that we want to leave this world a better place than we found it <3

All our love,

Eilidh and James X X X