Fire brigade helps fight cancer
The Pukekohe Volunteer Fire Brigade (PVFB) is again taking on the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge this weekend, May 19.
Tackling the 1103 stairs of Auckland’s Sky Tower for the 10th year in a row will be Pukekohe Volunteer Fire Brigade team captain, and senior firefighter Alex Tawhara, along with eight brigade comrades.
This year 950 firefighters nationwide have raised funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).
While Tawhara loves getting behind the great cause, the climb is a tough physical challenge
‘‘For me the fundraising is the focus,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s horrible - the climb is horrible.’’
Tawhara said the overall funds raised for the challenge have been around $1 million in the past and it is looking to be the same this year, which he wants to say a huge thank you for.
The Pukekohe brigade has also nearly doubled its funds raised from last year with around $14,500 going towards LBC.
‘‘It’s a considerable effort this year, and we’d really like to see that grow next year as well,’’ Tawhara said.
‘‘A lot of people put the emphasis on the climb, but I prefer to put the emphasis on the fundraising because that’s what it’s about.’’
Nine firefighters from the Pukekohe brigade will be taking part in the challenge this year, climbing the steps in their full firefighting uniform weighing around 25kg including their breathing apparatus.
For one Pukekohe brigade member, it will be their first climb and Tawhara said they’re in for a shock.
‘‘I didn’t know what we were up for then with the first one, and I think a lot of people get a fright on their very first (climb),’’ he said.
‘‘It’s not a walk in the park. This year I said I was not going to do it again - but I am. I’ve said it for 10 years, but it keeps coming back and it’s a great cause.’’
LBC is the leading provider of information about blood cancers and conditions in New Zealand, which supports and fund research into finding cures and better treatments.
To support this great cause and the Pukekohe Volunteer Fire Brigade members head to firefightersclimb.org.nz to donate.
*Waiau Pa brigade accepts challenge, see P11