Northamptonshire firefighters fly to US for 9/11 memorial challenge
Climbing 110 floors in Atlanta to remember fallen heroes
Eight firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have travelled to the United States to take part in a memorial stair climb marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The team will join firefighters from across the US and around the world for the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Patriot Day Memorial Climb at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will climb 110 floors in full firefighting kit.
Today's climb commemorates the victims of the September 11 attacks in 2001, when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger planes in the deadliest terrorist attack in US history.
Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center, a third struck the Pentagon in Virginia, and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers.
A total of 2,977 people were killed, including 343 firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who died while helping others escape the towers.
The challenge matches the height of the World Trade Centre towers and honours the firefighters who lost their lives during that day.
The initiative brings together 343 firefighters from different stations across the UK, matching the number of firefighters who died in New York.
Firefighter Georgie Abbott said the climb was a way to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. She said: "This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 which is a huge and significant part of firefighter history.
The team has spent months preparing for the physical challenge, including stair-climbing sessions and gym training while wearing firefighting kit.
"We are going there to honour their memory and remember those firefighters who made a huge sacrifice."
"I'm really excited, a little bit apprehensive," Georgie said.
"Obviously this is going to be a real physical challenge for us, especially doing it in full firefighting kit.
"There's also that emotional weight behind why we're doing it, which is why it is so meaningful, but the team all feel it's a huge privilege to be part of it."
As part of their preparation, firefighters have used StairMaster machines, increased their fitness training and taken part in practice stair climbs in the UK.
Alongside commemorating those who lost their lives on 9/11, the team is raising money for the Blue Light Card Foundation, the Fire Fighters Charity and the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.
Georgie said: "There is so much help and work that goes into helping firefighters. Not just firefighters, it's firefighters' families as well."
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