A FIREFIGHTER is tackling a gruelling 550 bike ride visiting the three centres of the Fire Fighters Charity in the UK, starting from the Lake District, then to Chudleigh before finishing in Sussex.

Phil Barton, 41, has already smashed his £2,000 fundraising target by the first day of his epic journey.

He had reached £2,500 as he left his starting point, in the rain, in Cumbria.

One of his stops is at Harcombe House residential centre in Chudleigh which provides rest and rehabilitation and has a full-equipped gym, specialist treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool.

Phil, who is a firefighter with the London Fire Service based at Hayes Fire Station, has taken on the challenge for the Fire Fighters Charity not only for its support for all those in the emergency services but also from his personal experience.

He explained: ‘I have personally experienced the amazing work they do, and wanted to give something back and to raise awareness.’

He has revealed, publicly for the first time, his ‘long running struggle with my mental health’ which involves stress, anxiety and depression.

He said: ‘After reaching an all time low in 2016, feeling ovewhelmed and at rock bottom both mentally and emotionally, I reached out for professional help, and I can honestly say that it was the best thing I ever did.

‘I was lucky that the shock of the situation I was in made me realise that I needed some external help, but I also appreciate that others may not have this realisation themselves.

‘Recognising the signs that someone, including ourselves, might be going down a 'dark path' or already at the end of it are so important.

‘They may not want your help, or even realise they need it, but knowing where to signpost someone to get help is a great place to start.’

It was when Phil joined the fire service in 2018, he learned about the Fire Fighters Charity and the various ways it supports those struggling physically and mentally.

Phil said: ‘I have used their therapy and wellbeing services on a number of occasions now, and having the support of therapists and programmes run by professionals, alongside the amazing support of a caring and understanding wife, have been invaluable in my journey - one which I know will be ongoing, but I feel a bit better equipped to deal with knowing I have the support there when needed.’

The Fire Fighters Charity provides care and support to firefighters, control staff, and all those working in, or retired from, the UK’s fire services.

It is also there for their loved ones.

The charity’s health care, wellbeing support and practical assistance helps firefighters adapt to physical and emotional injuries, illness and conditions, be fit for work, transition to life after their service and to feel valued and recognised.