For Marc Chapman, there was no shortage of reasons to take part in Saturday’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Marc, who is Second Lieutenant at Badger Creek Fire Brigade, represented both family and friends when he took on 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel wearing 25kg of turnout gear and breathing apparatus.
The Stair Climb has taken place every year since 2014. It aims to raise money for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide, especially for those within the emergency services and defence communities.
Read more: Firefighters step up for mental health
Marc was representing much of his family in the grueling climb.
Of the gear he wore, it included the helmet of his father Greg (Senior Station Officer, Hallam brigade), war ribbons from his Grandfather Jack Chapman (50 year CFA volunteer), an epaulette from his cousin Colin Chapman (CFA HQ) and an ex-Captain badge from his Uncle Bill (Castlemaine brigade).
Marc’s father Greg said family relationships are everything in CFA.
“One thing that has never stopped in CFA is family involvement” Greg said.
“The family connection in CFA, they’re so important, and there are so many. We’re only one of them.
“This was Marc’s idea, to represent the family.
“We’re all very very proud of the efforts of Marc.”
This was the third time Marc has participated in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
Over $500,000 has been raised in 2018, and there is still time to donate.