That often happens around 8.45 on a Thursday night as the warning whistles of the rest of the guys training with me inside the Clyde Dam start to sound out to warn them they are running out of air, and my own lungs are screaming and legs shaking as I try to climb 50+ flights of stairs with 25 kilo of firefighters gear on.

You see, Thursday night is training night for members of the Clyde and Alex brigades doing the Skytower Climb on August 20^th for the Blood and Leukaemia Foundation of New Zealand, and as the photo shows, it is not a lot of fun.

Even though I’m not a volunteer firefighter myself, I have been privileged to train with these guys for the last three years building up to the big event. 

The first year covid got in the way and last year recovery from my cancer surgery counted me out so I have really got my heart set that the third time will be the charm and nothing will get in the way.

Over a half million dollars has been raised by firefighters since the event began; crucial funds that go toward supporting those with blood cancers and research into treatment. 

This is a very personal commitment for me, as one of my best friends is a 30+ year leukaemia survivor; I will be climbing for him and for those whose outcomes were not as good as his.

The main fundraiser for us for the event is a music quiz night being held at the Alexandra District Club Tuesday 9 August at 7 pm. Teams of 4 $50 each, if you want to book a table please text me on 021 639 625.

If you can’t make that and are able to make a donation, they will very gratefully received at https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/tim-cadogan