Firefighter’s sons raise funds after dad’s life-changing accident

A Devon-based firefighter’s two sons, aged just 13 and 10, have raised hundreds of pounds for the Fire Fighters Charity as a thank you for the support their dad received following a major cycling accident.

Lee Mullenger, who works for West Midlands FRS but lives with his family in East Devon, was rushed to hospital in May 2019 following a cycle crash. He spent five days on a trauma unit and faced potentially never being able to work again.

Fortunately, Lee recovered well – with help from the Fire Fighters Charity’s expert team at its rehabilitation centre, Marine Court, in West Sussex – and says his whole family have rallied round to thank the charity ever since.

“When you get to Marine Court, you have all sorts of apprehensions, but the charity gives you the tools you need to really progress,” says Lee. “I was able to get back on the run in early 2020, right before lockdown, and I wholeheartedly believe if it wasn’t for the charity, I wouldn’t have got back to work as quickly as I did.”

As a way of thanking the charity for supporting his dad, Lee’s eldest son Max, who’s now 13, planned to cycle 22 miles in 2022 – from Exeter to Dawlish and back again. He ended up completing 25 miles on the day, raising £850 for the charity.

And after seeing his brother’s incredible efforts, Lee’s youngest son, Stan, 10, has since set up his own fundraising venture – making homemade jewellery to sell in his local community, and donating some of the profits to the Fire Fighters Charity.

“Both boys really appreciate the help I’ve had from the charity and want to give something back,” says Lee.

“I really hope my sons’ fundraising in particular can inspire others to get involved. At the end of the day, if 10-year-olds can do it, so can you. If we can inspire others, particularly older members of the fire community, and everyone does a little bit, it will make a real difference.”

To find out more about Stan’s jewellery, click here.