DIDSBURY - For many of us, climbing up a few flights of stairs is quite a challenge.
Eight members of the local fire department not only climbed up 1,204 steps (775 vertical feet) recently but did it in full firefighter duty gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
The eight - David Smith, Kyray Falk, Allyson Dunn, Matthew Code, Kayley Ruzycki, Austin Milljour, Becca Field and Mikaela Manser - were taking part in the 3rd annual Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge on May 7 at The Bow building in Calgary.
"I was quite impressed they were able to do that in full gear," said Didsbury fire Chief Craig Martin. "They ran as two separate teams, both representing Didsbury. We're very proud of them. They've been training for months. It's a big day for them."
Martin said the event is open to the whole country.
"It's really grown and is now in its third year," he said. "Last year Dave Smith went as an individual. This year he created a team and they did really well."
The event is a fundraiser for firefighters as well as residents in the community who are battling cancer.
"There are 11 presumptive cancers that are a recognized occupational hazard of the firefighter's job," he said. "One hundred per cent of the event proceeds support firefighters and citizens in local communities fighting cancer."
Collectively, the Didsbury crew raised a grand total of $3,235. The top individual fundraiser was Becca Field who earned $1,515.
"One thing that makes it so impressive is that it's 3,400 feet above sea level," he said. "It makes it the highest elevation firefighter stair climb in the world."
