General News
18 August, 2024
CFA volunteers step up: climbing for cancer research and crisis support
CFA members Jason Taylor and son Callum prepare for stair climb.
Horsham CFA members will step up for the Firefighter Climb 2024 to raise money to support cancer research and crisis support on September 7 in Melbourne.
This year's participants include the Horsham father-and-son duo of Jason Taylor and his son Callum.
"Callum has done the climb for the past two years and encouraged me to join him this year," Mr Taylor said.
"We all know someone affected by cancer, suicide, or depression, so I decided I'd join him this year, and I began training about two months ago," he said.
"I think it is important for people to understand the connection between the three and realise they are connected."
Mr Taylor has used the Horsham City Oval stadium stairs to train for the event, and apart from a recent strain that briefly hindered his routine, he's determined to reach his best fitness level by the Climb's date.
He is looking forward to doing this as a father-son project and, depending on this year's outcome, believes it could become an annual event for them both.
Commemorating the 911 Twin Tower bombing and dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives in the New York tragedy, the local firefighters will climb 28 floors with combined 25-kilogram weight, September 7, 2024, to climb the gruelling 28 Floors of the Crown Metropol to raise money for the three causes.
Mr Taylor is employed by Horsham Toyota.
Managing Director Mark Riedl said, "Jason is one of our own. I could see his passion for this, and I wanted to support him.
"It is a great cause, and the money will be used to support people affected by cancer, suicide, and depression, so Horsham Toyota has become Jason's main supporter with a $1000 donation, and we have collection tins around the business for donations," he said.
Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb reaches its 11th year.
Firefighters and Emergency services personnel from across Australia and the globe travel to Melbourne on Saturday, September 7 2024, for the 28 Floors climb of the Crown Metropol raising vital funds for Cancer Research and Crisis Support!
They carry a breathing apparatus, symbolizing the burden of significant health and well-being issues faced by our first responders and their families, daily.
The criteria states that some will also be breathing "on air" through a self-contained breathing apparatus, adding an extra level of difficulty to their climb.
They hope to raise $750,000 for Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, and 000Foundation from the Australian wide campaign, Australian-wide
Climbers will be supported by a climbing crew, volunteers, and medical support teams.