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Te Puke fire fighters are on a mission to raise money and awareness for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
The brigade’s target is $5000 and so far they have raised $2003.
Fire Fighters Steve Bradford, back left, Laurence Cameron and Josh Molan, (kneeling) Matt Cooke, left, Karl Simmons, Liz Cooper and Tom Scott. Photo: Supplied.
Steve Bradford, Laurence Cameron, Josh Molan, Matt Cooke, Karl Simmons, Liz cooper and Tom Scott are taking part in the Skytower Challenge to climb 1103 steps in full fire fighting gear this Saturday.
Chief fire officer Glenn Williams says Tom is a former professional fire fighter.
“He had to leave the service when he was injured in a fire appliance rollover in Taupo in 1995.”
The accident happened on November 19, 1995, when Tom and the rest of the crew were on their way to a fire.
Tom was in the back seat and wasn’t wearing his seatbelt while he added protective clothing to his kit.
The fire truck flipped on Huka Falls Road, leaving him partially paralysed.
Glenn says Tom, who can walk with the assistance of crutches, competed in the climb last year and is taking up the challenge again this Saturday.
The fire fighters have been training hard for the event and met every Wednesday night to practice their drills in full fire fighter gear.
This includes breathing apparatuses, helmets, boots and clothing combined with equipment needed to battle a blaze.
The brigade is asking people to support their crew by donating and helping them reach their target.
Every day, six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Glenn says anyone wishing to make a donation to the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Foundation can do so at the following: www.firefightersclimb.org.nz/view_group_event_profile/218
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