Central Otago firefighters are gearing up to conquer the Sky Tower Challenge today, in a bid to raise money for charity.

Firefighters from across the district will join 1100 others from across the country for the event, seeing them race against the clock to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower.

There are 1103 steps for them to climb, covering 51 floors, while carrying 25kg of fire fighting kit. 

The volunteers are made up of 10 men and women from Alexandra, nine from Cromwell, four from Clyde, one from Omakau and four from Naseby. One, Phil Flanagan, of Naseby is doing it for the 8th time. 

The firefighters, who already give up their time to protect our community, have been training hard, and fundraising harder, to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Every day, eight New Zealanders are diagnosed with blood cancer.

The Alexandra Team has raised over $16,500, and Central Otago crews have collectively raised over $28,000. 

Funds raised go directly to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, with flights and accommodation costs coming out of each competitor’s pocket.

Jay Toth, Mitch Stringer, and Quinton Wicks ready to climb up a hill wearing full fire-fighting gear for training. PHOTO: Mitch Stringer

Central Otago fundraising efforts will be added to the $1.4 million already raised by New Zealand this year.

It is the 20th anniversary of the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, a fundraising event that has now raised more than $13 million dollars towards those fighting leukaemia and blood cancer in New Zealand. 

Mitch Stringer said the Alexandra brigade have been attending this event for more than 17 years.

“At the time Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade was one of the first brigades from the South Island to participate.”

Now, four volunteer fire brigades from Central Otago are ready to suit up and tackle the challenge, all for a great cause.

Keep an eye up for results in a follow-up article once the teams return.

Donations can still be made through the Fire Fighters challenge.