Tag: McDonald Road Community Fire Station

Scottish Ambulance technician speaks of cancer battle

A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff member diagnosed with cancer has spoken about his experience to encourage more people to be aware of the condition, know the risks and seek help early if they have concerns.

Iain Sullivan, 48, of Kirkliston who works out of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station as a Technician, received the news earlier this year he had prostate cancer.

Speaking of his journey, Iain, who is ex-military with 25 years full colour service and been with SAS for three years, said: “My father was his early 60s with prostate cancer. At the time, I was only 40, so it was deemed not necessary to get checked by NHS due to young age. After going through this, it is really important for me to raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about any worries they may have and seek medical advice.”

Iain said last December his dad was advised his cancer had spread which led his dad to ask Iain in February this year to get tested due to the increased risk. The tests were simple and painless consisting of a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker in the blood, a digital rectal examination and a MRI scan. Following these tests, Iain was advised that he had tested positive for prostate cancer.

Iain said he wasn’t surprised by the news and added: “I had a feeling I was going to be positive – luckily my brother was clear.”

During the first months since the diagnosis, Iain said his “head has been all over the place”, but has since revealed his current position is Stage 1 of 4 which is the lower end of the spectrum, and at present hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.

Speaking of the support he has received he said his work colleagues have been “fantastic and supportive”.

Iain, who is currently off work, added: “My Crewmate Lewis has been checking up on me, along with the rest of the gang, and also my other friends and staff within the Edinburgh area have been supportive to me even through their own times of difficulties.

“They all work tirelessly and still have the kindness to look after each other. My partner Julie, who is also Ambulance technician, has shown amazing support and so has my son Brad, and other family members or course.”

Iain said he would urge people in his age bracket – and younger – to understand the risks, talk about them with friends and colleagues and seek help if they have concerns. It is important to understand that prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer in men.

He added: “It seems to be radio silence for men. I am surprised at the limited awareness of prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year.

People need to ask questions, seek advice and get help if you are worried. If nothing else, it’s worth the peace of mind and I will feel better for knowing you read this, are worried and then go to your GP”.

For more information, visit NHS inform or Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK who have a simple online risk checker that anyone can access to understand their risk in 30 seconds.

The funeral of Firefighter Barry Martin takes place today

Barry Martin’s wife has described him as a remarkable man who was exhilarated to be a firefighter

The 38-year-old sadly died on Friday, 27 January following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh earlier that week.

Firefighters from across Scotland will join his family and friends in paying tribute at his funeral service to be held at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh today = Friday, 17 February.

The father-of-two from Fife, was the beloved husband of Shelley, 36, and much-loved father of eight-year-old twins Oliver and Daniel. 

Shelley said: “Our sons could not have wished for a more loving and attentive father. He was a busy dad, transporting our sons to their various activities, and being there for them. I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together and always will.

“Barry was motivated, proud, and driven to be the best he could be, for himself, for his family, for his colleagues, and for the community and wider public. Being there for people, during their time of greatest need, meant everything to him in his career.

“Our love, admiration and respect for him, will last forever.”

Prior to joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Barry was a Pest Control Technician and set up his own company with Shelley.

He was passionate about health and fitness and had a particular interest in the tattoo industry.

Barry was based at McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh and was part of the Blue Watch. The Blue Watch in all Edinburgh stations will be stood down on the day of Barry’s funeral to allow staff to attend the service, should they wish to do so.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “Our thoughts remain very firmly with Barry Martin’s family as we plan to come together at St Giles’ Cathedral to pay our respects. 

“Barry was a much-loved husband, father, son and friend to many. His Blue Watch colleagues and the wider Service will ensure that Barry’s selfless duty will never be forgotten.”

Barry’s family wish to thank everyone for their support, wishes and love at the hardest time of their lives.

Fire and rescue services fell silent on Monday, as a minute’s silence was observed to pause and reflect on Barry’s life and sacrifice.

That silence reached the earthquake disaster area of Turkey, where firefighters from the UK International Search and Rescue Team, stopped and paid a moving tribute to one of their own.

The City of Edinburgh Council last week paid tribute to Barry during a full meeting by observing a minute’s silence. 

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge offered heartfelt condolences. He said: “It’s in tragic circumstances such as these that we’re reminded of the immense bravery and selflessness of those in our emergency services – putting their lives on the line day in, day out to keep us safe.

“The many tributes which have been placed outside Jenners show how deeply Barry’s passing has been felt, both by people throughout the city and by his firefighter colleagues in Edinburgh and across the country.”

At midday on Friday, 17 February, the funeral cortege will make its way from the base of the Royal Mile, arriving at the Cathedral at 12.30pm when the service, by invitation, will begin. There will be a private committal thereafter.

As the funeral cortege makes its way through the city there will be a number of rolling road closures supported by Police Scotland, however disruption will be kept to a minimum.