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Navy Firefighter Runs Flights for Cancer
20 May 2015
Navy Firefighter Runs Flights for Cancer
Despite undergoing cancer treatment Chief Petty
Officer (CPOWTR) Bartus ‘Bart’ Couprie will become the
first Royal New Zealand Navy firefighter to compete in the
Sky Tower Stair Challenge this weekend.
After 29 years of service in the Navy CPOWTR Couprie will climb 1,108 steps of the Auckland Sky Tower in full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus to raise funds for those suffering from Leukaemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers.
“Cancer and I are not on the best of terms,” says CPOWTR Couprie. “Eight months ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I’m currently undergoing treatment, luckily my prognosis is excellent. Others aren’t as lucky so I’m doing all I can to help them.
CPOWTR Couprie was born and raised in the Hutt Valley and is a firefighting instructor at the Navy’s Sea Safety Training Squadron (SSTS). The SSTS is responsible for training all Navy personnel in damage control and sea safety.
“My treatment means that I am able to continue at work and take the opportunity to help others. I got heaps of support from so many people when I was diagnosed and this is a great opportunity to pay it forward, says CPOWTR Couprie.
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