Mental Health Awareness Week: Tom’s story of how Samaritans gave him the support and strength to help others

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May 2025), Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is proud to share the powerful story of one of our firefighters, Tom, who has turned his own mental health journey into a mission to support others, raise awareness, and promote open conversations around wellbeing and neurodiversity.

Tom has faced long-standing challenges with depression, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD. Before joining the fire service full-time, he spent 17 years in office-based roles — an environment that didn’t suit his neurodiverse needs and contributed to periods of poor mental health. Becoming a firefighter brought new purpose, a strong team dynamic, and a role that better aligned with his strengths and wellbeing.

In 2021, during a particularly difficult time, Tom reached out to Samaritans in crisis. Their support, compassion, and ability to simply listen made a lasting impact.

“Calling Samaritans was the best decision I made. Just having someone to talk to — who listened without judgement — grounded me in that moment,It showed me the power of opening up, and I’ve been determined to talk more openly about mental health ever since.”

Tom Sharp – Firefighter

To give back and raise awareness, Tom took on an incredible challenge — running a 100-mile ultramarathon, non-stop, to raise money for Samaritans. In doing so, he honoured a close friend who died by suicide 25 years ago and highlighted the growing number of mental health-related incidents frontline responders now face.

His efforts raised over £4,000, and his story has since been shared widely, including in a moving and powerful video created by Samaritans, which you can watch below.

Tom’s openness and determination to help others is an inspiration to everyone at AF&RS. We’re committed to creating a workplace where mental health is talked about without stigma and where support is always available — from our TRIM (Trauma Risk Management) peer support, to the wider wellbeing services in place across the organisation

We want to thank Samaritans not only for being there for Tom when he needed them, but for the life-saving work they do every day, supporting people in their darkest moments.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out. You’re never alone — help is always available, and speaking to someone could change, or even save, your life. If you, or someone you know, is struggling and requires mental health support, visit Samaritans website or call 116 123.