Spencer Priestley, Luke Garnett, Zoe Ricketts, Kev Sutcliffe and Matty Birch took part in the Terry Farrell Firefighters’ Fund Memorial Stair Climb alongside other firefighters from the UK and Ireland who travelled to the US for the challenge.
The WYFRS team climbed 110 floors (the height of the World Trade Centre) in solidarity with their brothers and sisters on an international stage and have received recognition from many including the event organisers, Chief Fire Officers from Cobb County Fire & Rescue Service (Atlanta), the Deputy Chief Fire Officer from New York Fire Department and family members of some of the NYFD Firefighters who died 25years ago.
The team also got the opportunity to visit Atlanta Fire Department Training Facility as well as fire stations throughout the city.
The climb, which took place within the Atlanta Braves Baseball stadium was described by Kev as an “emotional and humbling experience”.
Climbing whilst wearing full fire kit in 38 degree heat, they each carried with them a lanyard with the picture of a firefighter who went to work and never returned on that fateful day.
Zoe described the event as “Really emotional- they had pictures of all the 343 firefighters in the twin towers displayed as we were doing it- was really hot but we all did it in full kit and we didn't stop.” While Spencer said “I'm absolutely shattered but it was an absolute privilege to do it- I need some refreshments now!”
This event was in aid of three charities - The Fire Fighters Charity, The Terry Farrell Firefighter Foundation and The Blue Light Card Foundation.