Fire & Rescue NSW captain Ryan Terry, deputy captain Dick Donges, Mat McKnight, Russel Job, Trent Jamieson, Shawn Rolfe, Brett Gibbons, Don Thomas, Craig Tierney, and Sam Woods will join over 300 firies from around the state in the fight against the disease. 

Participants will wear full structural firefighting gear totaling 30kg as they climb 1504 stairs (98 floors) for the grueling challenge on Sunday, October 23 .

The local team – Worst Pace Scenario 513 – were inspired to take on the challenge as most have been touched by the disease in some form.

“Everyone in Fire & Rescue in Young would know someone or have someone in their family who's been affected by it, whether by relation or a friend of the family,” deputy captain Donges said.

“It seems to be fairly regularly someone else is getting diagnosed with it in Young, so it’s a good thing to do.”

The team will hold a number of events in the lead-up to the event in order to contribute to the $500,000 goal. They’ve raised $3500 to date and hope to reach $6000 come the challenge.

They held a 100 Club recently which raised $2500, and will host a garage sale at the local fire station on Saturday, September 24 from 8am with morning tea available. 

A fitness morning will also be held at Anytime Fitness at a date to be confirmed.

The team wish to thank the community for their ongoing generosity.

“The community and businesses in Young are very generous in helping out any fundraising – no one blinks an eye when you ask them to buy a $50 ticket, we’ve had businesses throw $500 at us to help with the cause,” Donges said.

“It’s just good for us to be able to support the cause and hopefully that money helps find a cure so we can slow this disease down,” Ryan added. “We’re excited for the challenge.”

Every dollar raised will directly support vital MND research.