‘hardest part’ for mum in cancer treatment
volunteers were training.
More than $1.2 million has been raised for the 1100 participants and 242 brigades taking part on May 18, with firefighters in full kit, and Squad 51 made up of “civilians’” wearing 25kg of kit, up the 51 flights.
Bale has been overwhelmed by her local community’s efforts, including not only fundraising for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer
NZ through the Sky Tower event, but also donations for her family who have been forced to quit jobs, put their business on hold and contemplate months of recuperation.
“It means so much and I'm honoured that Cooks Beach are dedicating the run this year to me,” she says. “I grew up at the station, it’s been a part of our family. It just makes it so meaningful.”
Several of Bale’s family and friends have shaved their heads to show their support. Bale is a hairdresser and shaved her own head, and mum Donna’s too. The 56-yearold is amazed at how her daughter is coping.
“She is so freaking strong, she's blown me away,” says the mother of three and owner of the Cooks Beach Store. “We're not a type of family to ask for help – but the reality of what they will need has set in. Crystal has seen the donations come in, she has cried. But they need all they help they can get.”
Leukaemia & Blood Cancer chief executive Tim Edmonds says the Firefighter
Sky Tower Challenge is an important event for the charity, as it helps fund support services for blood cancer patients.
“Seeing the faces of people who the fire stations dedicate their run to is a poignant reminder of what the event is about – raising funds to ensure we can fund research and support the thousands of people living with a blood cancer.
“Since the event started 20 years ago, firefighters across the country have raised more than $14m before putting themselves through the physical challenge of climbing to the top of the Sky Tower. They do it because they want to help Crystal and thousands of other New Zealanders living with blood cancer.”