This week, I had the privilege of being interviewed on BBC Look North about our campaign to restore a remarkable survivor of the Sheffield Blitz — a 1932 Leyland fire engine that saved lives during the bombing raids. The story has also been featured on the front page of The Star, helping raise awareness as we head towards the 85th anniversary of the Blitz this December
Why this fire engine matters
At first glance, the 1932 Leyland might look like just another vintage vehicle. But in December 1940, when Sheffield was under attack, this engine was on the front line. Crewed by men who risked their lives in the blackout, it drove through bomb-damaged streets, pumping water onto burning buildings and pulling survivors from the wreckage.
It’s one of the very few fire engines still in existence that can be directly tied to the Sheffield Blitz — a living witness to the nights that changed the city forever.
Restoring it isn’t simply about polishing up an old vehicle. It’s about honouring the courage of those who served on it, preserving an authentic piece of wartime history, and creating a lasting reminder for future generations of the sacrifices made in Sheffield’s darkest hour.
The campaign so far
The fire engine’s story has already struck a chord across Sheffield and beyond. When we launched the appeal, The Star put it on the front page — a powerful reminder that Blitz history still resonates deeply with the people of this city.
Just days later, I was invited onto BBC Look North to talk about the campaign and why the restoration matters. Broadcast coverage like this is invaluable — it brings the story into living rooms across Yorkshire, reaching audiences who might not normally engage with heritage projects.
We’ve set a fundraising goal of £18,000 to restore the engine to its former glory, ensuring it can be displayed and shared with future generations. Every donation helps us get closer to that target, and every piece of publicity helps us keep the story alive.
The response so far has been hugely encouraging. Former firefighters, local families, and history enthusiasts have already begun sharing memories and pledges of support. It’s proof that when heritage is brought to life through strong storytelling, people feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Why heritage PR matters
Campaigns like this show why communications is about more than headlines. Heritage projects succeed when they connect people emotionally, bring communities together, and demonstrate measurable outcomes. That’s where effective PR makes the difference.
In this case, the story of a 1932 Leyland fire engine could easily have been lost in a museum archive. Instead, by securing coverage on BBC Look North, the front page of The Star and across social media, the campaign has sparked conversations in living rooms, pubs and community groups right across the region. It’s inspired people to share memories, pledge donations and reconnect with a defining moment in Sheffield’s past.
As a Sheffield PR consultant specialising in heritage communications, I’ve seen how storytelling and strategy combine to deliver lasting impact. Whether it’s a Blitz anniversary, a cultural festival or a mining history project, the principle is the same: PR can transform awareness into action, and history into legacy.
How you can help
We’re aiming to raise £18,000 to restore this Sheffield Blitz survivor and make sure it can be shared with future generations. Every contribution, no matter the size, will take us a step closer to preserving this extraordinary piece of history.
You can support the campaign by donating directly via our GoFundMe page.
If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing the story with friends, family or colleagues will make a difference. The more people who know about the campaign, the stronger our chances of success.
This fire engine served Sheffield when the city needed it most. Now, as the 85th anniversary of the Blitz approaches in December, we have the opportunity to give something back. Together, we can make sure its story — and the bravery it represents — is never forgotten.