Bucks Fire and Rescue hold fundraising event to mark 9/11 20th anniversary
They will be taking on a gruelling challenge in memory of a New York firefighter
Firefighters from Bucks Fire and Rescue Service have come together to organise and take part in a gruelling charity challenge to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.
Firefighters will participate in a 6K run whilst wearing full fire kit and carrying 36kg/80lbs of equipment per person, inspired by New York Fire Fighter Steven Siller.
On September 11th 2001 Siller had finished his shift, but when he heard about the attack he grabbed his kit and went to support first responders.
He drove to Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, and when seeing it had already been closed for security purposes, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
There will be two groups undertaking the charity run commemorating 9/11.
The first group will set off at 1.46pm, and the second at 2.03pm – the times (in the UK) that the planes struck.
The BFRS charity event will see the crews journey from West Ashland Fire Station in Milton Keynes to The Xscape Building Central Milton Keynes, Marlborough Gate, and reach conclusion upon ascending and descending a stairwell consisting of 11 storeys.
They have set up a Just Giving Page and will be raising funds for two charities today.
First, the Firefighters Charity - which offers physical, social and mental health support to serving and retired FRS members and their families within the UK.
The second the Stephen Siller 'Tunnel to Towers Foundation' which among other support has provided $250 million for a number of programs that include providing mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Spectators are welcome to come and cheer the participants on as their challenge concludes.
A static display will be set up at the front of the Xscape building from 1.30pm.
As well as supporting those on the run, this will provide an opportunity for you to:
- Speak to firefighters
- Receive community fire safety advice
- Observe our fire appliances
- There are also some fun activities planned with our younger community members in mind.
- More information about the event, and details of the preparation thecrews have been undertaking, can be found on the West Ashland Fire Station Facebook page.
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