Climbing for Cancer Research

3 min read 31 August 2023

On Saturday 2 September 2023 firefighters and emergency services personnel from across Australia will take on the 2023 Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb in support of Peter Mac. 

700 firefighters will ascend the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol building wearing 25kg of kit, including breathing apparatus to symbolise the health and wellbeing challenges faced by first responders and their families every day.

Country Fire Authority (CFA) Volunteer Firefighter, Tom Prunty, will be taking on the climb in honour of his brother, Connor, who was treated for bowel cancer at Peter Mac and sadly died in 2022. 

Tom credits his brother with inspiring him to join Buninyong-Mt Helen Fire Brigade, and will be carrying Connor’s helmet up the Crown Metropol with him on Saturday. 

Fellow volunteer, Kimberley, who has conquered the stair climb in previous years, is stepping up once again in solidarity with Tom and his family.

"I was actually going to sit this year out but decided to sign up again to help support Peter Mac after the wonderful support they gave the Prunty family during our fellow firefighter and mate Connor’s illness", Kimberley said.

"Peter Mac have also been a massive support for others in my life during recent times and I felt it was so important to give back to them."

Volunteer firefighters Tom (L) and Kimberley (R) will be climbing in honour of Connor Prunty (centre)

Victorian firefighter, Chris May, will be taking on the climb wearing one of two custom-painted helmets, generously donated by Cindy Mills, a proud Wiradjuri woman, firefighter, and aspiring Aboriginal artist.

The helmets, which will go up for auction ahead of the climb, tell a story of Victoria’s unique landscape, and connection to land, fire and community.

The firefighters are on track to reach their fundraising goal of $700,000, with 40% of the funds coming to Peter Mac, helping our researchers make new world-leading breakthroughs that will help to improve treatments, care and outcomes for patients with cancer.

This has the potential to touch thousands of lives, helping to ensure cancers are detected when they are most treatable and helping us to accelerate the discovery of new cancer cures and kinder treatments.

Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb 2023