(Image: North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service)
Firefighters from North Yorkshire are preparing to take on part in a global challenge to honour colleagues who died in the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago.
Nine colleagues from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will join the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 5.
The event is in memory of the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department who died during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by climbing 110 floors - equivalent to the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Ahead of their trip, the team will hold a public memorial climb at Clifford’s Tower in York this Saturday, August 1.
Firefighters and supporting staff will aim to climb and descend the tower’s stairs 343 times, with each ascent representing one of the 343 fallen firefighters.
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Members of the public are encouraged to attend and show their support.
Donations can also be made at www.justgiving.com/page/northyorksfireclimb.
North Yorkshire’s team includes station manager Mike Sutcliffe, watch manager Daz Smith, crew manager Steve Simpson, and firefighters Ash Davis, Toni Wooff Pepe, Josh Beagle, Dom Wood, Rik Duckworth, and Tim Weller.t
Mike Sutcliffe said: "As firefighters, we understand the commitment that comes with serving our communities.
"Taking part in this memorial stair climb is a chance to honour the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives in service to others, while also raising vital funds for charities that support firefighters and emergency service personnel today.
"We are incredibly proud to represent North Yorkshire as part of this international mission."
The team will travel to Atlanta as part of a wider UK and Ireland delegation from September 3 to 6.
As well as the physical endurance, the challenge is an opportunity to honour fallen colleagues and strengthen global ties within the emergency services.
Jonathan Dyson, chief fire officer, said: "This is a global challenge, honouring those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.
"We are proud to support it, and for our teams to take part and raise funds, alongside their peers from around the world.
"They will stand together, and climb together, remembering this tragic event 25 years ago."
The climb will raise funds for the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, The Fire Fighters Charity, and the Blue Light Card Foundation.
Donations will support the practical, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of emergency service personnel and their families.
As North Yorkshire’s representatives for the international event, the firefighters will stand alongside colleagues from across the UK, Ireland, the US, and other nations, demonstrating the connections that unite the emergency services worldwide.
The memorial stair climb also serves as a reminder of the impact the events of 9/11 continue to have, 25 years on.