Being invited to contribute to this wonderful book has made me reflect carefully on the past year.
One of the most fantastic memories was the first Fire Cadet Games held at Crystal Palace in August, when fire and rescue services from across the country brought together young people from every background, in very friendly but serious competition. It was great fun and I hope the Fire Cadet Games grow every year.
It has also been one of the most remarkable and challenging years of my life. The impact of the terrible Grenfell fire in London continues to cast a long shadow over our community and my teams. I have seen the best in my people who have striven to provide comfort to the survivors and to the victims’ families and loved ones when giving evidence. I have seen every one recounting and reliving the terrible events of 14th June 2017.
I hope you will understand the pride I have felt as I have seen my teams, who worked so amazingly bravely for those who cried for help, now turn their efforts to help deliver justice for those we lost, and those who remain in pain.
In This Light is a timely collection of thoughtful meditations. The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, leads contributions from celebrities, business leaders, athletes, politicians and others, whose names you might not know but whose stories you will come to love.
Dany Cotton
London Fire Commissioner
Alan Titchmarsh, Sally Philips, Bear Grylls, Afua Hirsch, Bishop Michael Curry, Secretary John Kerry, Dany Cotton, Elif Shafak, Jo Malone and Sally Lloyd-Jones – among others – offer their thoughts and insights as we reflect on this time of year.
In This Light by The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
