Fireys step up

By EMMA SUN
CLIMBING 88 floors in the shortest time possible is a challenge, but four Upwey firefighters are upping the ante and doing it while carrying 26 extra kilograms.
Team Stair Troopers, which includes team captain James Butler, Noel Nealon, Shane O’Brien and Sean Radford will be competing in the Eureka Tower Climb on 18 November to raise money for a good cause.
And they will be climbing the 1642 steps in full protective clothing and breathing apparatus, complete with a mask and oxygen tank.
The four completed the challenge last year in 20 minutes, raising about $1600.
They have been training hard for this year’s competition, taking on the 1000 steps in the Ferntree Gully National Park every day to ensure they are fully prepared for the event.
Upwey firefighter Ken Bulkeley will also be participating in the challenge, but with the Bayswater brigade to fill their team.
Mr Nealon said the aim for the rest of the team was to beat last year’s time, whereas his aim was to finish the challenge on one tank of oxygen.
“We’re all really looking forward to it – I’m psyched up for this and I keep trying to tell myself that I will have enough air,” he said.
“The others are all hoping to do better times than last year, James especially because he was ill last year and nearly passed out at the top.”
When their mission was posted on the CFA Connect website, close to 50 other volunteer firefighters also signed up for the challenge, and will be climbing with the group every step of the way.
Mr Nealon has also been delegated the task of feeding the large group of participants.
“It’s exciting – it’s been a push for me to try and get others involved and now all of a sudden I’m being contacted and given some money to feed all of the others,” he said.
“Hence I’m speaking to my son, who’s a chef, to buy bananas, water and Gatorade and we’re setting up to bring freezer with ice creams.
“For me, that’s an accomplishment and we will have more chance of raising money at the end of the day.”
The team have so far raised $210, but hope to raise as much as last year.
All money raised will go towards disadvantaged young people at home and abroad through Interplast and Whitelion.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the team can donate by visiting www.eurekaclimb.com.au, clicking the ‘donate’ button and searching for ‘Stair Troopers’.