General News
28 August, 2024
Horsham fireys running up funds for charity
More than a dozen tough men and women of Horsham Fire Brigade are gearing up to conquer the challenging Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on September 7, showcasing their unwavering dedication to both physical fitness and community service.
Horsham CFA has 14 climbers, including one virtual climber, and one climb crew member taking part.
Now in its 11th year, Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb challenges participants to climb up 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in 25kg of personal protective equipment, giving them an opportunity to test their endurance while raising vital funds to fight cancer, depression and suicide.
Horsham CFA firefighter Sarah Gorman is among those now approaching the end of their training for the event.
This will be her third stair climb after participating in 2018 and last year.
Ms Gorman said participants were taken in groups to the start of the climb and released in 30-second timeslots.
"Last year I was the slowest of all the climbers who completed the climb," she said. "But that doesn't matter - I completed it."
Originally from the Goulburn Valley, she moved to Horsham when husband Zac found employment in the area, and is a nurse with Grampians Health.
Peter McCallum Institute, 000 Foundation and Lifeline - national charities providing vital support and suicide prevention and cancer services across Australia - are the beneficiaries of the event.
"It’s a chance for our climbers and climb crew to not only showcase their physical abilities but also raise funds and awareness for a very relevant cause," Horsham CFA Captain Marc Ampt said.
To donate to the Horsham CFA effort, visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/horsham
Horsham SES unit will also be represented, with volunteer Harry Denovan taking part.
Mr Denovan is the only SES volunteer taking part as others are dual members representing Horsham CFA.
He said this was the first year other emergency services such as the SES had been invited to take part in the firefighter stair climb.
“Normally it’s just for firefighters but now it’s open to all other emergency services," he said.
Mr Denovan has been a part of the Horsham SES unit for almost a year, saying its core values aligned with his.
Although the stair climb isn’t until September, fundraising has already begun, with Mr Denovan’s personal goal being $1000.
“I’m wanting to get into the community to fundraise more,” Mr Denovan said.
“I’ve been handing out flyers so far but haven’t decided how else I will be fundraising.”
For more information or to donate visit https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au