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Firefighters in stair climb challenge for 9/11

BBC Crew manager James Crook stands on an Oxford road. A fire engine is behind him outside a propertyBBC
Crew manager James Crook says it is "humbling" to think about what firefighters faced on 9/11

A team of firefighters are paying tribute to those who died in the September 11 attacks by climbing the equivalent height of the World Trade Centre towers.

In 2001 terrorists seized passenger jets and crashed them into two New York skyscrapers, killing thousands of people, including 343 firefighters.

Members of Slade Park Fire Station in Oxford will climb the 220 floors via stair machines in a challenge at the Westgate shopping centre.

Crew manager James Crook told the BBC it was "humbling" to think about what fire crews faced on 9/11.

The team will wear full fire kit and breathing apparatus as they take turns on the machines.

Afterwards they will run out 343 lengths of fire hose as a tribute to the firefighters who died.

FIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY (L-R) Tom Martin, James Crook and Danny Toop pose with fire hoses. James is in full uniform and helmetFIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY
The crews will climb the equivalent of 220 floors via stair machines

It will raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Regional fundraiser Lisa Courtney said: "I want to send my heartfelt thanks to the team for planning such a moving challenge, in tribute to all those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy.

"All the funds raised will go directly towards supporting fire and rescue service personnel across the country, as well as their families, with both their physical and mental health."

The exterior of Slade Park Fire Station with an empty forecourt. The garages are closed. A mural of three firefighters adorns one of the garage doors
The members from Slade Park Fire Station are raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity

Mr Crook said 9/11 was a "reminder of exactly what a firefighter can be faced with on any given day".

He added: "It’s nice to communicate with our community and engage and if they want to come down and offer moral support then it’s gratefully received."

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