A CHARITY which offers help to retired fire and rescue workers has been given a donation of £3,000 by Flackwell Heath Golf Club.

The cheque was presented by the ladies' captain of the club, whose own family has been touched by the work of the The Firefighters' Charity.

Susan Jackson, a Beaconsfield resident, said six members of her family had been members of the fire service across three generations, and the charity had stepped in to offer support to her relatives twice over the years.

Mrs Jackson said: “The club has a long history of support for charities, and in particular to any that has touched the life of a member. When I became captain it was a wonderful opportunity for me to bring awareness to a charity which has been part of my life.”

Mrs Jackson's own father, Frank Taylor, was the last Chief Fire Officer of Liverpool, from 1962 to 1974, and the first Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside from 1974 to 1976.

Last year, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority named a river rescue boat in his honour.

But her younger brother, Nigel, a Cheshire-based firefighter knew from firsthand experience what a vital service the charity offered.

Mrs Jackson said: “In 1995, while attending a car fire, he was badly injured in an explosion. After a considerable time on sick leave he had to take early retirement. During that time he was given a tremendous amount of help by the charity.”

The charity also helped look after one of Mrs Jackson's aunts following the death of an uncle who served with the London Fire Brigade.

The £3,000, donated on Wednesday was raised throughout Mrs Jackson's year as ladies club captain, with a series of special events and functions.

Beaconsfield station manager Keith Williams, who is also treasurer of the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service branch of the charity, said: “The donation is magnificent and the story behind it is amazing.

“We would like to thank Susan and Flackwell Heath Golf Club for their generosity. This money will help the charity carry on providing support and assistance to the thousands of people who need its services.”