The sister of a hero firefighter who lost his life tackling a huge fire in Edinburgh has endorse a lottery that will help protect families such as hers from financial ruin.
Originally from Kinross, Ewan Williamson died as he tackled a blaze in the basement of the former Balmoral Bar in July, 2009.
The 35-year-old’s death plunged his family into grief and left them fearing for their future, only for the Fire Brigades Union to offer vital support.
Now Mr Williamson’s sister, Rachel Williamson, is calling on Scots to get behind the Firefighters 100 Lottery, which will raise funds for the families of those killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
The first raw of the FBU’s lottery will take place on Bonfire Night, which is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the service.
Mr Williamson’s death sparked a lengthy inquiry that tested the family’s resolve until, finally, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) admitted health and safety breaches at the High Court.
“After my brother Ewan died while on duty, our family was torn apart by grief,” Ms Williamson said.
“We then had to endure years of torment and anguish as the authorities were made to face up to the training and safety issues that led up to his death.
“If we hadn’t had legal support from the FBU during this dreadful time, we would have been in financial ruin.
“The Firefighters 100 Lottery is very much needed.
“It has been set up to help those who are forced to endure the injury or even death of a beloved son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife.
“We don’t think there could be a worthier cause and we support it wholeheartedly.”
The lottery has been launched in the run up to the FBU’s centenary celebration marking 100 years since the union was formed in 1918.
In addition to offering support to families who lose a loved-one, the lottery will also fund research into the physical and psychological toll of firefighting.
Tickets cost £1 each and are available from www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk
