By Jamie Salter
Representing the Officer Fire Brigade, new recruit Adam Edgecombe is taking part in the ninth annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
The challenge has participants climb 28 floors in 25kg of gear to help raise funds for Lifeline, Fortem and the 000Foundation to improve support services, fund research, reduce stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues.
On Saturday 10 September, Mr Edgecombe will play his part to reach a CFA fundraising goal of $600,000 – along with fellow CFA members Sean O’Donoghue and Brandon Matthews.
Mr Edgecombe said he hoped people would sponsor his climb to fight depression, Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and suicide.
“It’s a physical challenge and sets a good example for the kids and show them anything’s possible,” he said.
“The cause hits close to home because I’ve lost a mate not too long ago, and have been close to losing a couple others, so anything that drives awareness is a good cause.
“This is the biggest challenge I’ve done but I always get involved with the Push Up Challenge and FightMND – which is also close to our family – to raise awareness.”
The firefighters will be climbing the floors at Crown Metropol Hotel in Melbourne and can compete to make the best time up the building.
Mr Edgecombe has started training for the big event using a stair climber at his gym.
“I’ve started doing 45 floors at the moment without any gear and I’ll start adding weights” he said.
“I’m terrified. I’m not doing this because I like walking up stairs, I’m doing it for a good cause.
“There’s paramedics on every floor so that keeps my mind at ease.”
Mr Edgecombe said he felt like part of the CFA family as soon as he joined the Officer Fire Brigade, which gave him the confidence to take part in the challenge.
To donate, visit bit.ly/3zABdcT
