Merseyside man, 68, cycling 2100km to Spain for firefighter charity that ‘restored’ his life

An ex-firefighter is heading on a solo adventure to Spain, to raise money for the charity that ‘restored’ his life.

Nick Dalby, 68, joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue in 1975, aged 21, and was discharged 20 years later due to an injury on duty.

The physical injury had no immediate impact on Nick’s mental wellbeing but over the next 20 years his mental health began to crumble.

He told LiverpoolWorld: “The damage occurred with several incidents that were to cause the havoc. It remained dormant until about 10 years ago, from when my decline was slow but steady.

“That story is too long to tell but if you listen to ‘Crawling’ by Linkin Park and visualise the despair that is evoked, that was my daily life. Unmanned and unworthy.

“I felt guilt for failing. Shame for letting my family down and less of a man because I thought others hadn’t been affected.”

Nick sought help from Heswall and Pensby Group Practice and was eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He praises his GP, Dr Lesley Walker but said: “Mental health is severely underfunded to the point it is ineffectual to sufferers with complex issues. My experience supports that statement and I know of other sufferers left without meaningful treatment through the NHS.”

The Fire Fighters Charity were able to offer him a week of rehabilitation at one of their centres, with one to one sessions of psychiatric help.

“The treatment E.M.D.R. was brutal and mentally exhausting but very effective. Because of the complexity of my case I needed to return for another week. They were able to allow my wife to stay with me to enable me to be supported 24 hours even though a nurse was always on hand.” Nick explains.

Eye Movement Desensitisation Movement Therapy is a treatment specifically designed for PTSD, allowing individuals to briefly focus on a trauma memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (eye movements). It is associated with a reduction in the vividness and difficult emotion associated with trauma memories.

The Fire Fighters Charity

Mental health support is just one of the things that The Fire Fighters Charity offers to serving and retired firefighters. The charity aims to help them live happy and healthy lives, physically and mentally. They believe that no issue is too small and also offer support to family members.

They state that ‘there is no such thing as not being bad enough to call us’ and offer support through their telephone support line.

Nick Dalby’s mission

Nick used to enjoy running, however, he took up cycling after his injury made running too difficult.

He is cycling 2100km from the Wirral to South Spain, across 21 days with an aim of raising £2100.

Nick said: “For me the ride is more about myself, the money raised for the Fire Fighters Charity is a bonus.

“My condition has left me feeling vulnerable and dependant and this challenge is hopefully going to address that.

“I will be cycling unsupported, wild camping where possible. It’s a solo venture but I couldn’t do it without the support of my family.”

Although he still experiences nightmares and moments of panic, Nick says the support from the charity “restored” his life and he hopes to give back.

“Their facilities are constantly filled with men and women who have given more than their time to do their job and I want to give back in whatever way I can to help support them.”

To help Nick reach his goal of £2100, visit his Just Giving page.

His wife, Lydia, will be posting regular updates about his journey as he hopes to send her photo updates along the way.