Healesville Fire Brigade volunteers will run up the 28 floors in September for a cause.
The annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) will be held on Saturday 6 September at the Crown Metropol to raise vital funds for cancer research and crisis support.
Three local firefighters decided to participate in the 12th annual event to support the cause.
Healesville CFA communications officer Zach Kennedy, who joined the brigade in early 2023, said this is his first time participating in the MFSC.
“I decided to sign up to challenge myself and represent the Healesville Fire Brigade,” he said.
“I run frequently, and for the purpose of the stair climb, I will increase the intensity and challenge as we get closer to the event by running up hills and stairs with a weighted pack.
“I would be grateful for any donations made in my name on the MFSC website to help fight cancer, depression and suicide. $1000 would be an amazing achievement.”
Firefighters and emergency services personnel will battle 28 floors in up to 25kg of turnout gear and breathing apparatus, or similarly weighted operational equipment of their emergency service as a symbol of the burden of significant health and well-being issues faced by first responders and their families on a daily basis.
Some will also be breathing on air through a self contained breathing apparatus adding an extra level of difficulty to their climb.
Fourth lieutenant Finn Deacey, joined CFA in 2019 and transferred to Healesville in 2021, said he joined in the event in 2022 and 2024, which he really enjoyed.
“I look forward to the day, it’s a fantastic but challenging event to participate in with all funds going to a really deserving cause,” he said.
“I have been hitting the gym hard almost every day and gradually increasing my exertion.
“Any amount (of donations) would be fantastic, however, I would love to raise $1000 for the beneficiaries who do an absolute power of work in the background to support first responders.”
Alex Gommers has been volunteering as a firefighter with the Healesville CFA for the past two years.
Mr Gommers said he’s excited to take part, represent his brigade and raise money for a cause that matters.
“This is my first time. I’m really keen to give it a go and represent Healesville while raising money for a great cause. I’ve always loved a physical challenge, so this felt like the perfect challenge to take on,” he said.
“I’ll be walking 800km across Spain on the Camino De Santiago in the month prior, so that should be pretty good preparation.
“I’d love to raise $500 but of course, the more support, the better.”
All donations will go towards Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation.
“My mates Alex Gommers and Finn Deacey are participating in the event alongside me, as well as our firefighting colleagues Sally Ann, Joey Slootman and Amanda Redwood from Badger Creek Fire Brigade,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Donations can be made on the MFSC website in any of our names for this great cause.”
To support local firefighters’ journey for the cause, please visit the following website, firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/healesville/
