Olympic swimmer and BBC sports presenter Sharron Davies (pictured), has spoken of the honour in opening an 'inspirational' new therapy centre for injured firefighters at Harcombe House, Chudleigh. The development represents a major step forward for The Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, which has provided recuperative care at Harcombe for 20 years. Devon-born Miss Davies said the new treatment centre was the equal of any fitness and rehabilitation suite she had seen anywhere. 'Quite simply it is stunning and fantastically progressive,' she said. 'I am very proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause and I am honoured to be opening the wonderfully- inspirational therapy centre.' Fund chief executive Roy Lawrenson said the centre was designed to offer the best care for firefighters when the job went tragically wrong. 'We take it for granted that, when we need them, the brave men and women of the fire services will be there for us,' he said. 'This high-tech facility will ensure that these heroes are supported and we are able to get them back on their feet.' The chairman of Chudleigh Town Council, Cllr Lorraine Evans, was impressed by Harcombe House. 'The facilities are fantastic, it offers everything: hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, a wonderfully equipped gym – everything you can think of,' she said after completing a guided tour of the therapy centre. Cllr Evans was interested in developing links between the centre and the town. 'Harcombe House employs 35 local people, it's one of Chudleigh's biggest, and most welcome, employers,' she said.
