A group of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters is just days away from a mammoth 24-hour stair climb of the Furber Steps at Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, to raise money for charity.
The group aims to raise $100,000 to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), as part of the annual ‘Firies Climb for MND’ event.
From its origins in Sydney’s CBD in 2015, the ‘Firies Climb for MND’ has evolved, with this year’s fundraisers pushing their bodies and minds to the limit for the cause.
Comments from Firefighter Gavin Clifton
In what will be his fifth year tackling the Furber Steps for charity, Firefighter Gavin Clifton, of Leura Fire Station will climb the stairs for 24-hours straight, starting at Scenic World at 12pm on Friday 30 August and finishing at 12pm on Saturday 31 August.
“This climb will be challenging, but it doesn’t compare to the challenges that lie ahead of those facing a diagnosis of MND,” Gavin said.
“This progressive, terminal neurological disease affects the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow,” he added, “It’s a life sentence for those diagnosed. Everyone is invited to come along to watch or get involved.”
“You can run with me for the full 24 hours, do a single climb, or take part in the parents and kiddies climb from 11am on Saturday. However you choose to take part, it will make a huge difference to our overall fundraising.”
Comments from FRNSW Commissioner
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, said this year’s effort is a testament to the spirit of those within the organization.
“Events like this just go to show how committed our people are to their communities,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“I’m proud of those taking part and am hopeful that their efforts help provide a brighter future for anyone facing a diagnosis of MND.”
Fundraising for clinical trial
Professor Dominic Rowe of Macquarie University said the ‘Firies Climb for MND’ is instrumental in the success of clinical trials at Macquarie University. “Since the first event in 2015, the funding raised from this event has directly supported clinical trial activity at Macquarie,” Professor Rowe observed.
“It is only with clinical trials that we are able to work out whether new therapies can slow and stop the condition, eventually allowing people with MND to live longer, and better.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the firefighters in our war against MND,” he added. “The money raised from ‘Firies Climb for MND’ will continue to support our ability to deliver new therapies for all of our patients."
