Making Brian's House a Suitable Home.

Firefighter Lynch, aka Brian. I am a friend, and also what I would consider a brother to Brian after serving with him at Sidcup Blue Watch of the London Fire Brigade. I can honestly say that Brian was one of the most kind, caring, funny, thoughtful, and above all great firefighters I've ever served with. Albeit, Brian's service and firefighting career was cut short. You hear of illnesses and diseases, and from time to time you hear bad news about someone you know. It's life, and it can be harsh. Friends, friends of friends, family, colleagues... brotherhood. In 2000, Brian was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A non curable degenerative disease that affects the nervous system leading to problems such as walking, memory, speech, sight... the list goes on when it comes to MS. He couldn't continue operationally in the fire service, and the powers that be could not offer an alternative. The only option was for Brian to medically retire and start claiming his pension immediately. That pension, due to the early claim, is worth less than half a month than what it would of been if Brian could see out his time. With a mortgage, bills, food and all the rest of it to pay each month, theres no funds left for building materials. You see, it's the final three years of your service that really count towards the pension. Fine, so long as you don't get injured or ill! Brian had no choice. Brian is living in a two bedroom bungalow, and you could say it needs bringing into 2019 from the 30's. Polystyrene ceilings (a FF's worst nightmare!), an unfinished kitchen, decorating/ plastering throughout required, and most importantly, which is what inspired me to set this page up, is the bathroom. An expensive job and labour intensive if you don't know what you're doing! Or if you don't have the funds, or have MS and struggle to stay on your feet too long... The bathroom currently only has a shower, and to be suitable, it really needs an overhaul to make it MS friendly. A bath and hand rails here and there. Brian has friends keen to help, and also myself and others from the old blue watch who are going to go help get the house fixed up. In-between day shifts, in-between night shifts, whenever we can. I would love to raise some money, and announce to Brian unexpectedly that we're really going to make this house a home, and that we have raised the funds to just go ahead with such great work and plans and get it finished and suitable! I wouldn't say anything to Brian before hand while fundraising as he would probably want me to take this page down! Even when struggling to stay on his feet, living in a building site, Brian said to me, 'There's worse off people than me.' We all talk of retirement. We all expect to get there! Plans of travelling, getting mortgage free... Brian himself has retired, but he doesn't have those things. I'm reaching out to anyone really, in particular our fire service brothers and sisters, to help me and others help Brian create the ideal, suitable, comfortable home that he deserves. Thankyou.