Nottinghamshire firefighter joins 9/11 memorial climb in Atlanta
Ben Shepherd is among hundreds of firefighters taking part in the challenge to honour the 343 firefighters who died during the 9/11 attacks
A Nottinghamshire firefighter is in the United States today as part of a major memorial challenge marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Ben Shepherd is joining firefighters from across the UK and Ireland for the Terry Farrell Patriot Day Memorial Stair Climb at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. He said:
"Climbing up those stairs is only a fraction of what those firefighters faced."
The event will see participants climb more than 2,000 steps – the equivalent of 110 floors, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Each firefighter will climb in full firefighting kit carrying the name and photograph of one of the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
The UK contingent includes 236 firefighters from 48 fire and rescue services. For the first time, British firefighters have been invited to lead the climb and carry a piece of steel from the Twin Towers during the opening ceremony.
For Ben, the challenge is a chance to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and recognise the continuing courage and dedication of firefighters today.
"Those firefighters were the ultimate definition of selfless service. Their legacy is the very standard of bravery that we strive for today."
The event will also raise money to support firefighters and their families, with the UK contingent fundraising for The Blue Light Card Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.
The memorial climb takes place ahead of Patriot Day on September 11, when communities across the US will mark 25 years since the attacks.