Bristol firefighter to take on huge commemorative 9/11 stair climb in Atlanta
A Bristol Airport firefighter is preparing for an emotional and gruelling challenge in the US to mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.
Last updated 1 hour ago
Firefighter Lexi Grant will be among 343 firefighters taking part in the Terry Farrell Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia, this Saturday (September 5).
The challenge will see participants climb the equivalent height of the World Trade Center towers – 110 floors – by repeatedly walking up and down the stairs at the Atlanta Braves stadium.
And they’ll be doing it in full firefighting kit, which weighs around 10kg.
Each firefighter taking part will also wear a name badge representing one of the 343 New York firefighters who died during the attacks on September 11, 2001.
Lexi said taking part was a "real honour" and a chance to stand alongside firefighters from around the world.
She said: “Each of us will be wearing a name badge that represents one of the 343 firefighters who sadly lost their life in the tragedy.
“The event honours their courage and continues to unite firefighters around the world and is a mark of solidarity.”
A gruelling challenge
The climb is expected to be particularly demanding, with hot and humid conditions forecast in Atlanta.
Lexi has been preparing by training on a stair master while wearing her full kit, as well as using a treadmill at an incline.
She has also been combining her training with preparation for triathlon events.
The Bristol Airport firefighter, who has been with the team for eight years, said her kit alone adds another challenge.
“Full kit weighs about 10kg so it’s going to be a fitting physical challenge on my 5ft 3 inches frame,” she said.
“But my triathlon training has certainly helped get me in shape.”
Bristol's special connection with New York firefighters
The event has an added significance for Bristol Airport's fire team because of its long-standing relationship with firefighters in New York.
Following the 9/11 attacks, a retired Bristol Airport firefighter contacted a colleague in one of the New York fire departments.
Members of the New York team later visited Bristol for some rest and recuperation, helping establish a relationship which has continued for more than two decades.
The two fire teams even share a love of golf.
In 2005, they started a bi-annual tournament known as the Cyder Cup – a tradition which continues today.
Lexi said: “Since then, our fire teams have formed a strong bond.
“We soon realised quite a few of the firefighters enjoyed playing golf, so in 2005 we decided to hold a bi-annual golf tournament, which we fondly named the Cyder Cup.”
Bristol firefighters heading to New York
Lexi won't be the only member of the Bristol Airport fire team taking part in the 25th anniversary commemorations.
Planning Resilience Co-Ordinator Tony Smith, Sub Officer Carl Bailey, Leading Firefighter Antony Nash and Firefighter Craig Bailey will travel to New York the following week, alongside several retired firefighters.
They will attend the 25th anniversary memorial on September 11 before travelling to Atlantic City for the latest instalment of the Cyder Cup.
The Terry Farrell Memorial Stair Climb will also raise money for organisations supporting firefighters and their families.
Funds will go towards US firefighter charities, the UK-based Fire Fighters Charity and the Blue Light Card Foundation.
For Lexi, the climb will be a chance to remember those who died, while strengthening the bond between firefighters on both sides of the Atlantic.