Local competitors ‘on fire’ in stair climb fundraiser

Competing in the event for the second time, Ms Keem came first in the competitive climb for females category and first in the open category female 18-39. She completed the climb in five minutes 59 seconds, beating her time last year of 8:05.

She was just one of a number of locals from CFA district 22 that took part in the event.

This included members from brigades in Avenel, Dookie, Euroa, Longwood, Mooroopna, Shepparton East, Strathbogie, Tatura and Yarrawonga.

Together, they raised a combined total of $26,000 for Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation, a foundation set up for first responders by first responders.

The 34-year-old, who works for the Victorian Department of Justice, is an operational volunteer firefighter with the Katandra brigade.

She said getting herself in the right mindset was one of the biggest challenges of participating in the event.

However, being able to overcome this challenge made completing the climb even more rewarding.

“It’s all about working hard, and having that self-discipline,” she said.

“Showing up on those days where you really don’t have much motivation.”

However, she said the support of her fellow brigades, family and friends made it so much easier.

“It’s easy when you’ve got everyone there supporting you and you can celebrate other people as well,” she said.

Shepparton East’s Emily Marsland, who featured in The News last week, finished the event in 13:56.

In total, the event has raised more than $1.1 million.

People can continue to donate to the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb until World Mental Health Day on October 10 by going to firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate