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HRH The Duke of Cambridge meets beneficiaries at the Fire Fighters Charity in Devon

His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge today visited The Fire Fighters Charity’s Harcombe House centre in Chudleigh, Devon, to find out how it supports members of the UK’s fire services community.

The Duke met individuals and families who have been supported by the Charity and undertook a tour of the newly renovated centre, observing an art therapy session and activities in the Charity’s gym area.

Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of the visit: “It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Harcombe House and to introduce him to some of the people we have supported over recent months.

“Working within the fire and rescue services can take a significant mental and physical toll on individuals and families, so I was delighted to share the breadth of our work to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the fire community with His Royal Highness.”

Coinciding with Emergency Services Day, The Fire Fighters Charity also hosted guests from other emergency services who met The Duke to discuss the wellbeing of all those who work to keep our communities safe.

Speaking after the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the visit and the next phase in the life of Harcombe House after its £1.8m refurbishment, Chair of The Fire Fighters Charity, Andrew Lynch, said: “Recognising the bravery and dedication of our emergency services, remembering those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and taking the opportunity to consider how we can help our everyday heroes is vital. So I am honoured that, on this special day, His Royal Highness has chosen to visit us here at The Fire Fighters Charity, to see how we support members of the fire services community at their time of need.

“I hope that – through meeting some of our incredible beneficiaries – His Royal Highness has been able to see the impact of our work for himself. The people The Duke has met today are living proof of the need for us all to continue to work together in supporting the mental, physical and social wellbeing of those who work to keep the rest of us safe.”

For more information please visit: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk