I’m taking on a few challenges this year in memory of Margaret Barnes Smith of the
@firefighters999
who sadly passed away last year. Margaret helped me and so many others & was one of my biggest supporters, always spurring me on. She is very sadly missed.
Residents bravely save a firefighter who had been swept away by floodwater. Even shallow water is dangerous.
Thinking of those affected and responding to this incredible flooding.
A year ago today I passed my BA refresher course to get back on the run after my operation to remove my cancerous bladder.
Mentally, it was one of the hardest things I had to psych myself up for.
Sometimes you just need to trust yourself and leap into the unknown…
I unexpectedly got my pathology results from my operation this morning.
It was definitely cancer.
It hadn’t reached muscle.
It hadn’t spread to lymph nodes.
In other words… I kicked Nobbys ass!!
Will have scan in Sept/Oct & if that’s clear, annual scans for the next 5yrs.
If you tweeted/retweeted videos or images of the fire at Jenners (you will know the ones I mean) then now would be a good time to delete those tweets out of respect for FF Martins loved ones and colleagues.
The old & the new…
Having a sort through some stuff & found my old RDS pager (top). Looks like I’ll be having a pager for the foreseeable as I was made a substantive Station Commander this week.
I got my CT scan results back last week.
A couple of things showed up that we will need to keep an eye on & I still need more investigation/tests but the reassuring news is that I’m still cancer free.
#BladderCancer
#FUCancer
Just been told that my 12 month CT scan was completely clear and I now move on to annual scans!
No more wheel of fortune until Feb next year! 🙌🏻
#FUCancer
Lovely to have my wife & daughter witness me getting this last night.
(They’ve earned it as much as me!) 😂
Over 1500yrs of service recognised last night!! Incredible community commitment in Highland.
Thanks to Inverness admin team for all their hard work last night! 👏🏻
@davies1513_andy
@GMB
@susannareid100
As someone who took several attempts to get in and has since conducted some of the recruitment tests, I can also say that this is 100% not true.
Three weeks ago I had to get a MRI scan as a review of my CT scan showed a growing cyst on my ovary.
Got the results today and thankfully it’s benign. 🙌🏻
#FUCancer
I’ve just finished my last shift of 2020 with
@scotfire_glasgo
. It’s been an absolute privilege.
Sad to leave Glasgow & it’s amazing people but really looking forward to new adventures in the Highlands in 2021. Slaintè 🥃
When I had my bladder removed due to
#BladderCancer
, I had the choice of an internal pouch I catheterised or a stoma. I chose the stoma and it’s allowed me to live my life, continue my career & do everything I used to do.
#StomaAware
#StopTheStigma
To the women who are ‘agressive’: keep being assertive
To the women who are ‘bossy’:
keep on leading
To the women who are ‘difficult’: keep telling the truth
To the women who are ‘awkward’: keep asking hard questions
#IWD2020
#EachforEqual
9 years married today.
My amazing & beautiful wife has been such an incredible support, especially over the last couple of years. So lucky to have her in my life 🥰
My recent CT scan whilst clear, showed a couple of things worth investigating. After some recent tests, I got the call today to say I don’t have ovarian cancer.
#FUCancer
#Stressed
I’m delighted to have made it to the ripe old age of 40 today!
Whilst it’s not how I imagined celebrating it (thanks Covid!), I’m grateful to reach an age denied to many.
My 30’s have been incredible, I’ve become a wife, mum, survivor & seen & done things I once dreamed of.
Thanks for your posts & messages.
I’m bloody proud of my time in RDS & will never discount it as it was lifechanging & the best start.
On call FF’s are amongst the most dedicated & skilled people I know, their service makes a big difference to communities & absolutely counts.
Absolute privilege to attend Royal Garden Party with Uig WC John MacKenzie and Portree WC Ian Nicolson today.
They have served the communities Skye for over 60yrs between them!
@fbunational
@FBUNWC
My thoughts are with Sarah’s friends & family but this tweet does not represent my views as an FBU member. Solidarity with my blue light colleagues in this complex & sad situation.
Thanks for all your messages, still to see consultant but been told all went well. Had dose of chemo to kill off any little ‘Nobbettes’ that may have been around but feeling ok. 2wk wait to get results tho😫
Managed to make it up to the ward in time for lunch which was a result!
I’m really, really excited & honoured to announce that I’ll be taking over
@WFSUK1
twitter account for one week starting this Friday 26th June!
I’ll be tweeting about my own journey,
@fire_scot
& highlighting some amazing colleagues! 🚒
Please give
@WFSUK1
a follow!!
I’m saying goodbye to Skye & Raasay this week as I’m moving posts to become SC for community safety engagement for Highland, Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland.
The past few yrs have been such a privilege!
Will miss the amazing crews but looking forward to the new challenge!
A few weeks ago I was featured in the
@WHFP1
, it’s been really great to see the article start some positive conversations.
If you’d like to join
@fire_scot
as an on-call firefighter, please check out the SFRS website!
@thecatreviewer
friendly cat in Lanzarote. Loved taking selfies and was always welcoming when we returned to apartment. 8/10 -2 for puking on our veranda 😂
Apologies for the silence, needed a digital break! (What have I missed?!)
Another hospital, another scan today. No cancer found.
Feeling incredibly blessed that
@NHSGGC
is still able to fit me in & carry out necessary tests & investigations despite the pressures they’re under.
Two years ago today my world went upside down as I was told I had cancer.
Two years of tests, operations, fear & adjusting to a ‘new normal’ mentally & physically.
But it’s also been two years of love, support, self realisation & new dreams.
#BladderCancer
#Stoma
Came across a 1 vehicle crash on a wintry A9, thankfully all occupants were ok. I used
@what3words
to identify our location to get assistance.
Thanks also to the
@nessgro
female truck driver who stopped to offer assistance.
Lovely moment today when my 2yr old daughter watched and helped change my
#urostomy
bag.
She was so curious and in awe then she said ‘your stoma is so cool’
Just the little confidence boost I needed. ☺️
#OneDayAtATime
Just had heart failure, hospital just phoned me with my year 5 scan results which they NEVER ever do so I presumed the worst but it’s only cos secretary is going on holiday, she wanted to phone me so I wouldn’t be waiting.
I GOT THE ALL CLEAR!! 🫶🏻🙌🏻
As I’m now not as off my face I can give a proper update;
Operation went well but I did need a blood transfusion.
Thank you so much to everyone who gives blood!
To be clear:
1. this is not discrimination, males are not under-represented.
2. This is an information event not part of the recruitment process.
3. All applications have to reach the same standard regardless of gender, sexuality etc.
4. There are no ‘quotas’ or targets.
Considering a career with us?
We're holding information events across Scotland to showcase what we can offer - including wholetime, retained, operations control firefighters and support roles.
The first is an event for women in Aberdeen on March 14 👉
Earned my breakfast this morning! 💪🏻🤣
Road conditions are likely to be tricky today. Please only travel if you have to and take care, driving to the conditions.
When I was a retained FF, I kept a record of incidents I attended. Just looking through the records and discovered that I attended an incident at the house I live in now back in 2003! 😂
@davies1513_andy
@GMB
@susannareid100
It’s not a matter of ‘having to’ - it’s about ensuring that public services reflect the communities they serve. Currently most FRS workforces are 93% male. This is about encouraging women to join, not lowering standards. Children are influenced at an early age about stereotypes
Last week we helped calm an elderly lady with dementia by making her a ☕️, today we helped a little girl get her smile back after an incident. 🚒
#NotJustFires
#JobSatisfaction
#WeAreSFRS
25 years ago Firefighter Fleur Lombard lost her life whilst fighting an arson fire in a supermarket. 😢 She was only 21 and was the first woman firefighter post war to be killed on duty. She was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
#NeverForgotten
Remembering Firefighter Roderick MacLeod, 25, from Inverness Fire Station, who tragically died in the line of duty whilst tackling a blaze at Aberchalder Lodge near Invergarry on this day in 1981.
A mixed time for me just now. Struggling with long Covid, just got the all clear for my 2nd year CT scan & my grandfather passed away yesterday.
Grateful to be spending today with my favourite people.
RIP poppa ❤️
Brian always supported & encouraged me and when we were both diagnosed with our illnesses around the same time, that encouragement from Brian didn’t stop even though he had his own battle. I miss him so much. RIP Brian x
I’m delighted, proud & humbled to have been nominated for this award. Always lovely to get recognition for what you do.
Such a worthy winner - Congratulations Agata!
'Firefighter Rising Star' runner up is Agata Wieczorek from
@cambsfrs
who is not deterred by the barriers she faces rather she sees them as challenges to be overcome. She is an advocate and ambassador on gender equality & actively seeks to resolve issues faced by women.
Visit from my Group Manager
@MurdoHenderson
today to discuss my recovery and needs for future return to work. Fantastic to know I have the support I need. Big weight off my mind so I can concentrate on getting better.
Thank you
@scotfire_glasgo
for my card & lovely flowers!
Today is a day of mixed emotions.
One year ago today I first heard the words ‘it’s cancer’.
Since then life has changed, I’ve changed, my outlook has changed. It’s been tough (& still is at times!) but I’m thankful for the support I received.
#Cancerversary
#BladderCancer
22yrs ago today I started my fire service journey at
@FireBeauly
. Been lucky enough to work in all three Service Delivery Areas as well as a stint at the National Training Centre & am now working in one of the most beautiful places in the world 🌍
#WhatAJourney
Everyone, no matter how big & strong, could use a little help sometimes.
Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
What are we here for, if not for each other?
18yrs ago today I joined the fire and rescue service.
I have learnt skills I never thought I would.
I have achieved things I never thought I would.
It’s taken me from a small highland village to Scotland’s capital city via Scotland’s biggest city.
The best job in the world.
Overwhelmed with all the lovely messages, trying to answer them all! Things are starting to move quickly - scan tomorrow then pre-op assessment later this week. Hopefully op will not be long after that.
Nobby’s days are numbered!
#FuckOffNobby
Back on the run and mobilised to a challenging RTC along with Inverness & Nairn crews.
A complex extrication with a great display of professionalism, determination & innovation by the crews. Well done all 👏🏻 🚒
It is with the heaviest of hearts that due to my health, I have withdrawn from the Artic trek next year and will now attempt it in 2022.
Gutted but on the plus side it means I’ll have longer to fundraise! I’ll keep the fundraising page open and will update it with the new date.
To those who can’t be with their kids,
To those who are no longer with us,
To those longing to be dads,
To those who are on duty today,
To those who step up to be the dad
Happy Fathers Day.
It’s my one year anniversary of being the station commander for
#Skye
&
#Raasay
and what a year it’s been! 😅
Such a privilege to work in such an amazing area with such amazing people 😊
#OneTeam
It’s been a busy 2022 in Skye!😅
Thanks to our partners, communities & crews for all their hard work & support.
Looking forward to 2023!! 🙌🏻
Happy new year when it comes!
@Liz_ORiordan
And yet we “should be thankful for still being here”. Of course we are, but we grieve for the life and body we used to have. A “new normal” takes time to adjust to and saying how it is should be encouraged, not dismissed.
Thank you for sharing Liz, sending hugs!
Finished Saturday nightshift with a gym session. Focused on strengthening core for my impending surgery.
I also gave my ‘bag for life’ a dry run last night. Actually forgot I was wearing it!! Little steps to improve confidence will make a big difference.
#firefit
#bladdercancer