Moama Fire and Rescue’s Andrew Heriot and Echuca CFA’s Luke Waterson and Col Munro raced up Crown Metropol Hotel on September 7 as part of the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Wearing 25kg of turnout gear and a breathing apparatus, the men joined 600 fellow firefighters in the event, which raised almost $500,000 for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of depression, PTSI and suicide.
In his second attempt, Andrew raised $623 and made it to the top in 11 minutes and 11 seconds.
"It was challenging and halfway through it, I couldn't breathe so instead of trying to beat my time goal, I just wanted to finish," he said.
"It was a great atmosphere but I was relieved when I finished it."
Luke scored the quickest time with 7:31, raising $1101 in the process, while Col recorded a time of 9:26 and raised $505.
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