110 Floors. One Powerful Mission.

On the 5th September 2026, I will join more than 200 firefighters from across the United Kingdom and Ireland to take part in the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia.

Together, we will climb 110 floors - the height of the World Trade Centre Towers - in honour of the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on 11 September 2001.

This challenge is especially meaningful to me.

I joined the Fire Service in March 1995 and recently marked 31 years of service. On the day of the 9/11 attacks, I was serving on Red Watch at Scunthorpe Fire Station. Like millions across the world, I watched in disbelief as the events unfolded during my shift.

As firefighters, we all understand the call to serve and the willingness to run towards danger when others are running away from it. The courage shown by the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day has never been forgotten, and 25 years later their sacrifice continues to inspire firefighters around the world.

Taking part in this stair climb is my opportunity to honour their memory and stand alongside firefighters from across the globe in an act of remembrance, respect, and unity.

I believe strongly in the charities we are supporting through this challenge, which is why I have made a personal commitment to fully fund my own participation.

A Personal Commitment

I will be covering the cost of the trip to Atlanta myself, including flights, accommodation, event expenses and associated travel costs, at a personal cost of approximately £1,300.

This means that every donation made through my JustGiving page will go directly to the fundraising effort and will be split equally between our three chosen charities:

🚒 The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund terryfund.org/georgia

🚒The Fire Fighters Charity firefighterscharity.org.uk

🚒 The Blue Light Card Foundation bluelightcardfoundation.org

I'm not asking anyone to fund my trip. I'm asking for support for the charities and the incredible work they do for firefighters, emergency service personnel, and their families.

For me, this is a personal act of remembrance and service. For the charities, your donation can make a real difference to the lives of those who need their support.

My Preparation

This challenge isn't something I'm preparing for at the last minute.

Since 1 January 2024, I have run every single day without missing a day.

Rain or shine. Snow or ice. Birthdays, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, holidays, work days, rest days - even after the occasional late night.

Every day I have completed at least two miles, often much more.

Along the way I have taken part in numerous running challenges and 10km races, building both physical and mental resilience. The daily discipline has become a personal commitment to myself, and now it forms part of my preparation for this incredible challenge.

I will continue running every day right through to the Memorial Stair Climb and beyond.

Every run reminds me that perseverance is built one step at a time - just as this memorial climb will be completed one step at a time.

Why I'm Fundraising

This journey is about much more than climbing stairs.

We are raising funds for three incredible charities that support firefighters, emergency service personnel, and their families:

🚒 The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund terryfund.org/georgia

🚒The Fire Fighters Charity firefighterscharity.org.uk

🚒 The Blue Light Card Foundation bluelightcardfoundation.org

These organisations provide vital support when it is needed most, helping emergency service personnel and their families through physical, mental, and financial challenges.

Follow My Journey

Training for this challenge is already underway. If you'd like to follow my progress and see the miles, climbs, and preparation going into the 110-floor memorial climb, you can follow me on Strava. You can also hold me to account and make sure I've ran every day since January 1st, 2024:

www.strava.com/athletes/31255248

Every workout is a reminder of the firefighters we are honouring and the charities we are supporting.

How You Can Help

I've deliberately waited until now to ask for donations. Like everyone else, I know many people are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and I never wanted friends, family, colleagues, or members of my community to feel repeatedly asked for money. If you can support this cause, I'm incredibly grateful. If you can't, I completely understand. Sharing the page or simply following the journey means just as much.

Whether you can donate £1 or £50, every contribution helps.

Your donation is not simply financial support—it is a tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives, support for those who continue to serve today, and recognition of the sacrifices made by emergency service personnel and their families every day.

Together, we can honour the 343.

Together, we can support those who still serve.

Together, we can ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Thank you for your support and for helping me make every step count.