Firefighters join gruelling race

Days after the gruelling race up the Sky Tower to raise funds for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation, a group of Wellsford firefighters is making plans for next year’s challenge.

“We’re going to be back up those stairs at Wharehine’s right away – we all want to better our times,” Shane Baker says.

Gluttons for punishment, the four volunteers spent nearly five months in training for the event which involved ascending 1103 steps – 51 storeys – wearing full kit weighing 25kg.

Grandfather-of-four Kevin Derby competed for the first time. He has not yet started his brigade training, but is keen to be back for the challenge next year. He completed in 23min 22sec. Shane Baker, 32, was the fastest from Wellsford, finishing in 14min 53sec and 102nd overall. It is the third time he has taken part and he will win the station trophy for his efforts. Other team members were Peter Bowmar (15min 50sec) and Paul Calkin (15min 47sec). Fifth member Trish Whitehead pulled out after injury.

The Wellsford team expects to have raised about $1000 thanks to sponsorship from individuals and local businesses Wellsford Hire, Masons Contractors, Guthrie Bowron, Duffs Tyres and Warkworth Diesel.

A record number of 349 firefighters from 60 brigades took part. Firemen from Australia and America also participated.

Wellsford firefighters kitted up for the Sky Tower challenge. From left, Shane Baker, Paul Calkin, Peter Bowmar and Kevin Derby.