STEPPING UP TO FIGHT DEPRESSION

TWENTY-EIGHT floors, 25kg of kit and a mission to raise $700,000 to fight against depression, PTSD and suicide.

On Saturday, September 1, 650 firefighters will step up to the challenge by climbing the 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel wearing 25kg of gear and breathing apparatus. This year, the aim is to raise $700,000 for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues, especially for those within the emergency services and Defence communities.

The fifth annual event will simulate the actions of a firefighter entering a burning high-rise building, so is for firefighters in full protective clothing, and wearing self contained breathing apparatus.

Picture: GEORGE SALPIGTIDIS Firefighters Mik Wilson and Shayne Egan will be participating in the 5th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb to raise funds for mental health charities.