Fisher House
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham proudly serves as the receiving hospital for injured military personnel, both from the UK and around the world.
Recognising the specific needs of these families, Fisher House UK was built to offer them a crucial support system during difficult times. This 18-bedroom haven provides a "home away from home" for injured service members and their families, allowing them to stay close to loved ones while receiving treatment at the hospital. Many of these individuals have served in combat, and their injuries often require ongoing care.
A Home Away From Home For Our Military Heroes
When a member of the military is injured abroad they are flown directly to Birmingham Airport and taken straight to the QE to be treated by doctors who are experts in dealing with major trauma injuries.
Many families have to then travel to Birmingham from all over the UK and even abroad and are faced with paying for hotels, petrol and parking.
Fisher House offers them free accommodation on site with only a five minute walk from their loved ones. As it’s purely for the family of military personnel it gives them the chance to talk with others going through a similar experience.
Comfort In Crisis
Beyond those directly impacted by war, Fisher House also welcomes veterans and personnel receiving treatment for various illnesses, including cancer and transplants.
Guests have described the house as a source of immense comfort, feeling embraced by a supportive community that "takes away all their problems."
Fisher House UK is solely funded by donations. By supporting our Home away from Home for military personnel, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have bravely served our country.
It costs the charity £40 a night to host a military family in their time of need. You can help provide a safe and supportive environment for a military family during their time of need. Thank you.
Support Fisher House
There are many ways to support Fisher House, here are a few:
Fundraise
Another fantastic way of supporting Fisher House is to fundraise!
One-off donation
This can be made through BACs payment, online on our website or by sending in a cheque (payable to UHB Charity).
Regular Giving - Become a Friend of Fisher House
If you would like to become a Friend of Fisher House, please email the team at charities@uhb.nhs.uk and we will provide the information on how to set up a monthly donation with your bank.
Giving in memory
Donations in lieu of flowers can be suggested at funerals or you can set up a tribute page for a loved one here
Leaving a Gift in a will
A beautiful way to leave a lasting legacy. Please contact us for more information.
Arrange a tour
We highly recommend booking a tour to view Fisher House and see its incredible facilities in person.
Room sponsorship
Sponsorship of a bedroom at Fisher House is a great way for your company to support the house. This costs £10,000 per year with naming rights. For more information on this please contact us at charities@uhb.nhs.uk
Paralympian Stuart's Story
Double amputee, Stuart Robinson, who was injured in Afghanistan, was one of the first military patients whose family stayed at Fisher House after it was opened by HM The King on 21 June 2013, whilst he was still HRH The Prince of Wales.
Stuart’s family were looked after by the welcoming staff at Fisher House, a home away from home for military personnel and their families, while he was treated just a short walk away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 10 months.
Read more about Stuart's story below.
"In February 2013 my wife got that dreaded knock at the door. I was severely injured in an IED explosion whilst on my fourth deployment in Afghanistan.
"The explosion resulted in the immediate loss of my left leg and seriously damaged my left arm and leg. I was quickly flown to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where I took the difficult decision to also have my right leg amputated.
"My world had turned upside down. My family were across the country and rushed to be by my side. With my jaw being wired shut, I was desperate to show my wife that I was ok and see that she was ok.
"Thankfully, they were able to stay at Fisher House, just five minutes from the hospital and visit whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t have got through my injury without my family. I can’t thank Fisher House enough for looking after them so well.
"During those difficult early days in my recovery, Fisher House gave me and my family a place to escape. It was our sanctuary, our bubble, our safe haven.
"My wife would come to the hospital and push me over to Fisher House in my wheelchair. The house allowed us to have space, away from the hospital, to try and wrap our heads round our new life and come to terms with my injuries. I was able to play with my little boy in a place that felt like a real home. My mates in the military were also able to visit and helped me piece together my memories of the attack to try and work past it.
"Family is everything to me, knowing that they were safe in Fisher House and being looked after, allowed me to focus on my recovery. The highlight of my days would be my little boy coming over for cuddles on my hospital bed.
"This is my story. But there have been thousands of military families over the last 10 years with their own stories, and Fisher House has been there through it all. I know all of us want to say a huge thank you for theirs support when the worst happens. It is so important to ensure Fisher House is there for other families in the future.
"It costs £40 to fund a night’s stay for a military family in their time of need. Will you join me in supporting Fisher House?"
To support future military families in their time of need: