A team of firies from the Falcon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service will scale their way up more than 1000 stairs in heavy protective equipment to raise funds for multiple sclerosis sufferers.
Naomi Dekker, Kim Glass, Jesse Blunt and Jamie Parker will be four of hundreds that tackle 1103 steps at Perth’s Central Park on Sunday, June 18 to support Western Australians living with neurological disorders.
But the crew will be doing so decked out in level two protective equipment, designed to help them battle house fires.
“The guys really wanted to push themselves and give themselves a full on physical challenge,” Falcon VFRS apparatus officer Peter Jensen said.
“The protective equipment they’ll be wearing has a water membrane in it, designed to make sure heat can’t get in, but it also means heat can’t get out of their clothing either.
“Climbing 1000 steps while wearing it would be like wrapping yourself in plastic and adding 20 kilograms to your back.”
But despite the daunting challenge ahead of them, the quartet are determined to help raise funds for the worthy cause.
Jensen, who will be a support member of their crew, said it was a rare opportunity for the crew to push themselves and a strong message at the same time.
“It was an easy decision to jump on board and help raise funds for MSWA,” he said.
“When the guys first signed up they were number one in donations for a while, so it’s great to see plenty of people getting on board.
“We’ve also struck up some friendly competition with the Bunbury volunteer brigade.”
To donate to the crew, visit stepupformswa.org.au/champion/step-up-2017/FalconVolunteerFireandRescue
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
