Eynesbury Brigade are taking on the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb for the first time this year, with their motivation and community behind them.
.jpg)
Ben, Scott and Nick are taking on the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on 7 September.
Firefighter and Brigade Community Safety Coordinator Nick Charlton, along with fellow Eynesbury firefighters Scott Mulheran and son Ben, are taking on the Stair Climb on Saturday 7 September, with mental health at the forefront of their minds.
“Over the last few years, mental health awareness has come a long way - and we want that to continue in our community,” Nick said.
“There’s no more “man up”, and there’s no difference between breaking your leg and having a mental health illness - we’re truly stepping in the right direction.”
Nick also took on the Push-Up Challenge in 2019 and raised over $500 for mental health - but none of the Eynesbury team have taken part in the Stair Climb previously.
Their training has involved getting personal trainers and getting regular workout sessions in - and getting their brigade involved on training nights.
It was Scott’s initiative that sparked the entrance to the Stair Climb and is doing all he can to make sure they make it a successful venture. So far, the team of three have raised more than $1750, with still just over three weeks until the event.
On 25 August, Nick, Ben and Scott will be heading to the Eynesbury Market in their gear and breathing apparatuses, to do some further fundraising and gain interest and support for the cause they hold close to them.
.jpg)
The Eynesbury team have been training hard in preparation for the event.
“We’ve had a lot of fundraising come in from family and friends - it really reflects that there are very few people who haven’t been touched by mental health illnesses at some point in their lives,” Scott explained.
“I’ve had friends go through some darker days, and to show up with our CFA gear and get behind them is really special to us.”
The event is particularly special for Scott and Ben, as they are able to compete as a father-son combination. Ben joined CFA three years ago, at the age of 16.
“When I put the call out to the brigade, Ben didn’t hesitate and was the first to put his hand up,” Scott said. “He’s such an interactive member of our community, and we’re all just excited to be involved and making a difference”.
Scott has said there are a few brigade members who have seen what the team is up to and has expressed their interest to join the event with them next year.
“We’re a little brigade, but we hope to get more members involved again next year,” Scott said. “Every dollar counts and can really make a difference to fight these mental health issues.”
How to support the Eynesbury team:
Directly donate: https://www.firefighterclimb.o...
Eynesbury Market, 25 August: Eynesbury Homestead, 487 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury
Author: Daisy Cleland