Firefighters from over 200 brigades across the country set a new fundraising record for the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge on May 23 raising over $1 million for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.
More than 750 firefighters from across the country took part in the event, racing up the 1,103 stairs of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower wearing 25 kilograms of gear. Twenty-three international firefighters from the United States, Chile, Germany and Australia also competed.
The firefighters have been furiously fundraising for months undertaking a number of original initiatives including boar hunting, selling sheep, hangis and hay-baling as well as bucket shaking in their local communities.
One team, South2Sky, ran the length of the country starting in Bluff and finishing in Auckland before climbing the Sky Tower the next day. They covered 1807km in just under two weeks stopping off at fire stations and small towns along the way and raised just under $52,000.
The current top record holder Josh Harrison from Otara Station set a new record for the event reaching the top of the tower in 8 minutes and 34 seconds beating his own record by 2 seconds. In second place William Garnett from Airport Rescue Fire Station completed the climb in 9 minutes and 35 seconds, while Jackson Kluts from Mangere Station came third with a time of 9 minutes 46 seconds.
The fastest woman up the tower was Ange Munro with a time of 13 minutes and 44 seconds. For a full record of race results please visit http://www.firefightersclimb.org.nz.
In addition to training for the gruelling event firefighters gave up hundreds of hours of their time fundraising for LBC. The top individual fundraiser this year was Phil O’Hara from Westport Volunteer Fire Brigade raising $8,358.
The brigade that raised the most money was Auckland Airport Fire Rescue who raised $101,000. The brigade who raised the most money based on the number of firefighters in the team was Southbridge Brigade who raised $87,500.
Pru Etcheverry, CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, says she is speechless at the incredible fundraising result.
“We were in tears when we hit $1 million. We are incredibly grateful to the amazing firefighters in every corner of the country who have been out doing extraordinary things to raise funds for LBC.”
“Their dedication and heart means we have been able to grow our services being there for the patients and their families,” says Ms Etcheverry.
The event is supported by SKYCITY (the major sponsor), Auckland Airport and Tait Communications.
SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison says Saturday’s climb carrying 25 kg of kit was one of the toughest personal challenges he’s faced, given he tore his hamstring the Monday evening prior to the race.
“It was an incredible experience to be a part of the camaraderie and spirit shown by the 750 firefighters involved in this event, and for every one of them it was a huge personal challenge. Hearing about the lengths competitors have gone through to fundraise for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ throughout the year was so inspiring.
“SKYCITY is extremely proud to contribute to this event every year by putting the Sky Tower to such a positive and unique use. The $1 million raised through the challenge will be so valuable for LBC to help every day New Zealand families who need support when a loved one is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
“I was very proud to be a part of Squad 20, and along with Peter Treacy from SKYCITY, together we raised more than $35,000.”
