Crew Manager's Charity Challenge Highlights Impact Of RTCs

A powerful and deeply personal story is being shared this week as a Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Crew Manager prepares to take on a charity challenge, highlighting the devastating impacts of road traffic collisions (RTCs).

On 3 February 2024, Crew Manager Paul Stoneman, based at Worksop Fire Station, lost his son Kieran in a road traffic collision whilst he was on his way to work. Kieran was just 28 years old.

Having served with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) for 32 years, Paul is used to attending incidents and supporting others in their time of need. But this tragedy brought the reality of RTCs devastatingly close to home.

In the weeks and months that followed, Paul and his family faced unimaginable grief. Seeking support, he reached out to Fire Fighters Charity, where he received personalised wellbeing support that helped him begin to navigate life after loss.

Now, Paul is determined to give back – after seeing his wife ‘brave the shave’ in aid of the charity, Paul knew it was his turn next…

This weekend, he will set out on a 168km trek along Hadrian’s Wall – an emotional journey inspired by a shared dream he had with his son. Kieran loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking, and the pair had planned to complete the route together.

Paul will start his challenge on 21 June in South Sheilds, finishing in Bowness-on-Solway on 25 June – what would have been Kieran’s 30th birthday.

With a hope to help others struggling, Paul told his story on video, talking about why he wanted to do this challenge.

He said: “I made a promise to myself that I would still do it and I will be carrying Kieran with me every step of the way.”

As well as honouring Kieran’s memory, Paul is aiming to raise money for Fire Fighters Charity. Thanks to generous donations already, he has raised over £1,300.

Charlotte Smith, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, says: "I send my heartfelt thanks to Paul, on behalf of everyone at Fire Fighters Charity, for organising such a powerful challenge.

"Paul's dedication to not only raising funds, but also vital awareness of the support available to people in our fire services community, has been so inspiring - and an incredibly moving tribute to Kieran. Thank you so much Paul, and we'll be supporting you all the way."

This story also reinforces the Service’s ongoing road safety campaign, running alongside this summer’s men’s World Cup tournament, which aims to reduce RTCs among young men across Nottinghamshire.

While firefighters are often first on scene at serious incidents, Paul’s experience and story is a powerful reminder that the impact of road traffic collisions extends far beyond than the initial response – incidents like this effect affect families, colleagues, and communities.

If you’ve been touched by Paul’s story, please consider donating to support his challenge and help the Fire Fighters Charity continue its vital work - you can do so by clicking this link.

Click here to read more about Fire Fighters Charity.