Inspirational Derbyshire firefighter wins award after recovery from tragic motorbike accident

Retired Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Bob Stovell received a prestigious ‘Spirit of Fire’ award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity and introduced by The Duke of Cambridge.

Winning the ‘Beneficiary of Courage’ award, Bob was recognised for the grit and determination he has shown in his recovery from a devastating motorbike accident that killed his wife in 2009.

Pieced back together by surgeons following the accident, he defied the odds to walk again, despite being told that he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

Opening the ceremony, the Duke of Cambright spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid-19, reiterating why it’s so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.

The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.

Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the coronavirus pandemic meant that the charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the first time.

The Fire Fighters Charity chief executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of Bob’s ‘ Beneficiary of Courage’ award: “This award recognises the incredible courage that our beneficiaries show when faced with li fe changing personal adversity and Bob is a very deserving winner.

" A regular visitor to our rehabilitation centre in Penrith, Cumbria, he inspires all who meet him there, beneficiaries and employees alike.

"Positive, humble and fiercely determined to live life to full, I’m delighted to congratulate Bob on behalf of everyone at The Fire Fighters Charity.”