Dead firefighter's sons launch book to help children cope with bereavement

Oliver and Daniel Martin, twin sons of firefighter Barry Martin, have published a new children’s book titled Barry the Brave. The twins, now 12, began writing this story as a journal while their father was hospitalized after being injured in the 2023 Edinburgh Jenners department store fire. Their father passed away four days later, and the brothers continued their writing process to manage their grief. The book is intended for children between the ages of six and twelve and aims to help young readers navigate the complex emotions associated with sudden loss.

Each book comes with a companion Bazza bear, designed to provide comfort to children during difficult moments. During the launch at Dunfermline Carnegie Library, the brothers explained that they wanted to create a resource that addresses the reality of bereavement through their own personal experience. They emphasized that the book is meant to help children understand that it is acceptable to feel a mix of sadness and happiness while living with loss.

The family plans to donate copies of the book to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary bereavement team and intends to distribute copies to primary schools across Scotland. Shelley Martin, the boys’ mother, stated that she believes their father would be proud of their initiative. She highlighted the importance of showing other children that one can live with both grief and happiness simultaneously.

The Martin family continues to await the findings of an official inquiry into Barry Martin's death. The Scottish fire service lost a member in the line of duty for the first time in 14 years during the Jenners blaze. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death remains active. The twins are now considering creating additional resources for teenagers as they prepare to transition into high school.