Former fireman’s career memories reignited

Billy Leatherbarrow, a former firefighter of 23 years, served at Bootle and Netherton Community Fire Station and the historic Aintree Community Fire Station in Liverpool. Rising through the ranks over the years to become a Station Officer, Billy dedicated much of his life to tackling blazes and protecting the local community. 

Billy’s family recalled that becoming a firefighter was his dream from when he was a little boy.  He loved the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters, and the feeling of being part of a family with his firehouse team.  It was a challenging job and there were many hard moments that have always stayed with him, but being there for people in their time of need was so important to him. 

It’s a privilege to support our residents in staying connected to the passions and memories that have shaped their lives, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Aberdeen Central Community Fire Station for making this a reality for Billy

Jebastin Immanuel, Wellbeing Lead

Now a resident at Cowdray Club Care Home in Aberdeen, Billy’s love of firefighting has never wavered. Having heard of Billy’s fondness for his time in the fire service, the care home arranged a special visit from Aberdeen Central Community Fire Station to reconnect Billy with his past.

The grandfather was “made up” when Station Officer Graeme and his team pulled up to the care home in their fire engine.  The crew sat with Billy, his wife Bertha, daughters Anne and Lynne and sons-in-law Sandy and Ronan while they all reminisced about Billy’s firefighter days, sharing old photographs and tales of how things used to be.

Billy’s family shared some of his most memorable experiences on the job, including recovering a priceless wooden carving from a blaze, completely undamaged, and tackling a fire at Aintree Racecourse’s ‘Becher’s Brook’, the Grand National’s most infamous fence. Billy would often joke he had jumped Becher’s Brook himself.

Jebastin Immanuel, Wellbeing Lead at Cowdray Club Care Home, said: “Seeing Billy’s face light up as he shared time with the firefighters and stood alongside the fire engine was wonderful. 

“It’s a privilege to support our residents in staying connected to the passions and memories that have shaped their lives, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Aberdeen Central Community Fire Station for making this a reality for Billy.”

The Cowdray Club care home is located in a beautifully appointed 19th century building in the exclusive Fonthill area of Aberdeen. The home is close to the town centre and just 10 minutes’ walk from Duthie Park.
Renaissance Care, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year, now operates 18 care homes across Scotland, employing more than 1,400 people and caring for over 860 residents. With a strong focus on quality and person-centred services, Renaissance Care is dedicated to enriching the lives of residents by creating caring and supportive environments.

For more information please visit: https://www.renaissance-care.co.uk/our-care-homes/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/cowdray-club-care-home/