Today, 1,100 firefighters from 270 brigades took on the iconic Sky Tower climb, the highest number of brigades to take part in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge’s 21-year history.

Firefighters from New Zealand, Australia and Canada scaled 1,103 stairs in full firefighting gear, which weighs around 25 kilograms. The fastest time up the tower today was by Ben Smith from Auckland Airport Rescue Fire Service, who completed the climb in 8 minutes and 39 seconds.

More than $1.9 million was raised for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, supporting patients and their whānau through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. SkyCity has proudly supported and hosted the event since it began in 2005, when the first climb raised $17,500.

“The Challenge has been a huge part of our ability to expand care and cures for blood cancer patients across the country. It has united the firefighting community around our cause for more than two decades, and it’s only been possible thanks to the year-on-year support from partners like SkyCity,” says Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand CEO Tim Edmonds.

The event was founded by Tony Scott, who has served in both Northland and Auckland Airport Fire Rescue Service since 1988.

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