Barry Martin colleagues raising funds for fallen hero at Six Nations rugby match
Friends from the McDonald Road Station's Blue Watch are collecting donations for the Barry Martin Memorial Fund
Last updated 18th Mar 2023
Colleagues of a firefighter who died tackling a blaze in Edinburgh’s city centre are raising funds for his family at today’s Six Nations rugby match.
Barry Martin lost his life on January 27 after sustaining injuries while tackling a fire at the former Jenners store.
The 38-year-old father of two was the first Scottish firefighter to die in the line of duty since Ewan Williamson in Edinburgh in 2009.
Staff from McDonald Road Station's Blue Watch are collecting donations for the Barry Martin Memorial Fund, established to support his family by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), at the Scotland v Italy game at Murrayfield.
A photograph of the firefighter will also be displayed to some 67,000 spectators.
Watch commander of Blue Watch McDonald Road Station Suzie Milburn said it’s important to support Barry’s family.
Ms Milburn said: “Barry Martin, he’s our colleague.
“He was unfortunately killed during an incident on the 23rd January and we’re just here to try and raise money for Shelley, Daniel and Oliver.”
Barry’s friend and colleague Graeme Clow, took to the pitch to present the match ball to the team captains.
He said: “Barry’s loss is a tragedy for the service.
"He was a really good character on the watch, always very positive and always very excited whenever we left the door – he was a pleasure to work with.”
A “text to donate” campaign is also being promoted on big screens inside the stadium.
Thousands lined the streets of Edinburgh last month to pay tribute to the married father-of-two during a funeral at St Giles' Cathedral.
FBU Scotland regional treasurer Seona Hart said: “The firefighting family is still grieving the loss of one of our own and our thoughts and solidarity remain with Barry’s family and all those who knew him well.
“As a union, we want to honour Barry’s sacrifice, dedication, comradeship and selflessness through the Barry Martin Memorial Fund, and are grateful to the Scotland rugby team and Scottish Rugby Union for facilitating collections at Murrayfield this weekend.
“At times like these, the support from the public both financial and also emotional can make a huge difference for the families of bereaved firefighters, and we are grateful for anything which people can contribute.”
Donations can be made to the fund HERE.