Big fundraising steps to help others

A gruelling fundraising challenge has been taken up by three Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers each carrying 25kg of kit for a 28-floor stair climb in Melbourne early next month. Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt, Jess Hercott and Josh Kardol are taking part in the 12th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) raising vital dollars for cancer research and crisis support. The trio will be among 1000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from across Australia and around the world drawn to the event. Hannah, Jess and Josh are training hard in the lead up to the climb being held at the Crown Metropol on 6 September. Hannah, a CFA volunteer for six years and a Beechworth Brigade member for the last four, said it’s the first time she has undertaken the challenge. “It’s for a good cause – the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Triple Zero Foundation, Lifeline as well for mental health,” she said. “I'm a bit of a fitness fanatic and thought this would be a good challenge. “Our fire brigade is represented and we’re always up for getting involved with a good cause. “They usually have around 500 firefighters, but because it's so popular for the first time, 1000 firefighters have been accepted this year.” Hannah said both she and Josh will be some of the stair climbers using the breathing apparatus ‘on air’ for a category adding another difficult element to the challenge. The firefighting volunteer said in using the breathing apparatus for an average person, air lasts for around 30 minutes. “It depends on body weight, body mass, lung capacity and what type of work you're doing as well,” she said. “When you're working heavy and hard, you really focus on your breathing so you can last as long as you can. “We practice that for normal structure fire training, and we have to slow our breathing making sure we're calm and collected, even when we're running.” This year marks the fifth year Josh has taken part in the stair climb to raise awareness and support for the cause with the first climb in 2018, then 2019, 2020 and 2023. “I have friends, family and colleagues who are affected by mental health issues and cancer,” he said. “Every step we take on the day is a step in helping others." Josh said the climb is undertaken with breathing apparatus as the MFSC stair climb simulates the actions of a high-rise building firefight and rescue operation. Josh said his family trips to Melbourne with him. “It’s a great event and afterwards everyone meets up with some awards given such as for the highest fundraiser," he said. “In 2019 I managed to be in the top five fundraisers out of 700 with a total raised of $4000.' Hannah said people can donate to the great cause via posters with the QR code displayed around town in businesses like Tiny’s Café, Beechworth Bakery, Bendigo Bank and Beechworth Books. People can also donate to the Beechworth Fire Brigade at its premises in Victoria Road between 10am and 3pm throughout the week. “The brigade will be at the Farmers Market on 6 September with posters so people can still donate on the day, and the event will be live streamed on a tablet too,” Hannah said. MFSC is aiming to raise $1million to support, Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the Triple Zero Foundation.

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