When Natalie Mortimer stepped onto the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service podium to receive the prestigious Silver Axe Award more than two decades ago, she had no idea where her career would take her.
One of only two North East female firefighters ever to receive the award at that time, her achievement marked a significant milestone when female firefighters remained a rarity within the Service.
Now, 24 years later, recently retired Natalie of North Tyneside sees that legacy continuing through firefighters like Daisy Hunter, the latest Silver Axe recipient, who is embarking on her own fledgling operational career with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
For mother-of-two Natalie, the journey began long before she joined the Service. Determined from a young age to become a firefighter, she initially faced a barrier beyond her control: a height restriction that prevented her from applying.
Undeterred, she joined the Royal Air Force, fulfilling her desire to serve and work as part of a dedicated team. When the fire service’s height restriction was eventually removed, she seized the opportunity to pursue the career that she had always aspired to.
Natalie, aged 50, dreamed of an occupation that offered purpose, teamwork, daily challenges and the opportunity to help others when they need it the most. “I have always wanted to serve my country and my community, be part of a close-knit team and make a positive difference to people’s lives,” Natalie said.
Her determination paid off when she was announced as the Silver Axe winner at her passing-out parade, a prestigious award which is bestowed upon the recruit firefighter who has consistently achieved the highest marks for the duration of the gruelling 14-week training course.
The moment remains one of the most proud and emotional memories of her career. “My parents were divorced, but they both attended the parade together,” Natalie recalled. “Nobody knew who had won the Silver Axe until it was announced on the day.”
“My mam had never wanted me to join the Fire and Rescue Service because she genuinely believed the job would be too difficult for me. To prove to myself and to her that I could do it, and then receive the award was incredibly special.
“At the same time, my dad was living with a brain tumour, and we knew he did not have long left. For him to see me begin my new career and achieve that recognition made the moment even more precious.”
Natalie went on to enjoy a distinguished career, becoming an instructor, supporting numerous recruit courses and later becoming the Service’s first female Breathing Apparatus Lead Instructor. Away from the fire station, she also won the World Firefighter Ironman Championship in 2018.
Before retiring, Natalie had worked on station at Newcastle Central and Tynemouth Community Fire Stations [alongside a stint at Station Bravo in Newcastle’s West End]. She furthered her career by delivering dedicated specialist roles within the Service at the Training School, Operations Department, the Breathing Apparatus School, Service Improvement and for the HMICFRS Inspectorate.
Among the newest role models helping to shape the future is 27-year-old Daisy Hunter, who has recently started her operational career at Hebburn Tri Station. Originally from Richmond in North Yorkshire, Daisy previously worked with racehorses and later at an estate agents, before pursuing firefighting.
“I’ve always wanted a job that keeps me active and gives me the chance to help people,” Daisy said.
“The training course was one of the best experiences. It was tough at times, but in a good way, and I learnt a huge amount from it.
“What attracted me to the fire service was the variety, working as part of a supportive team, and being there for people on some of their worst days. I like knowing that what I do can make a real difference, and it’s a job I can genuinely be proud of.” Having now made the transition from the training ground to operational firefighting, Daisy is focused on continuing to learn and develop.
She said: “The recruits’ course gave me good grounding, but being on station has helped everything start to make much more sense in practice. Everyone has been really welcoming and supportive, which has made settling in a lot easier.” Like Natalie before her, Daisy impressed throughout her recruit course and was ultimately awarded the Silver Axe.
“Honestly, I was really surprised,” she said. “The whole course had worked extremely hard throughout, so being recognised for my efforts was a really proud moment.”
As Daisy begins the next chapter of her career, she is already looking forward to helping people when they need the Service most and making a positive difference within communities across Tyne and Wear.
Asked what advice Natalie would offer the new Silver Axe winner, she said: “Be proud of what you have achieved. Embrace every opportunity, continue learning, challenge yourself, and never be afraid to aim high.
“Always go forward in your career and be the very best version of yourself. Believe in your abilities, stay true to your values, and remember that you have earned your success. The future is yours to shape.”
For two women connected by the same prestigious award, but separated by a generation, the values at the heart of the Fire and Rescue Service remain unchanged: dedication, teamwork, resilience and a commitment to serving others.
For further information about the work of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, please visit www.twfire.gov.uk
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