Kinver firefighter reflects on 'honour' of 9/11 memorial stair climb
Paul White went to the US to take part in the international fundraiser
A firefighter from Kinver has reflected on what it was like to participate in the memorial stair climb to mark 25 years since the horrific 9/11 terror attacks.
On September 11, 2001, thousands of people lost their life, including 343 firefighters in New York.
Paul White was among crew members from across the UK and America who this year gathered to raise money for firefighting charities both here and across the pond, in honour of those who died.
"It was definitely the opportunity of a lifetime," he said.
"The reason I joined the fire service is because of the 9/11 attacks.
"I was at high school when the attack took place, and as much as all the other kids in my class were talking about it, I just had this sense of I need to help, what can I do to help."
The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Crew Manager said it was incredible emotional and an honour to have taken part, especially with this year being the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
The team climbed 110 stories of the Atlanta Braves stadium, matching the height of the World Trade centre, while wearing the names of the firefighters who were killed.
"We were lucky enough that we had special guests which was four firefighters who were on duty on that day on 9/11," Mr White said.
"They were just talking to us for hours and it was such a poignant thing to be able to sit there and just listen to their stoies.
"Nobody will ever understand juts how awful it was for them."
Mr White and Dan Walker, another firefighter from Kinver who took part, raised over £900 themselves, with the Staffordshire crew together raising over £17,000 according to Mr White.
The money will go towards the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund in the US and the Blue Light Card Foundation and Fire Fighter's Charity in the UK.
They completed the challenge in 40 degree temperatures in full gear, which despite having trained for, Mr White said was still a great challenge.
"The important thing for us is to make sure poeple don't forget," he added.
"We don't want it to become another day in the calendar.
"We need to remember the meaning behind it and why we did it."