Doris beats her feet and the heat on the Sky road

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE fundraising effort by ?three Gisborne firefighters who take on the Auckland Skytower stairs in May has got off to a flying start, thanks to Doris Hill’s long walk.

The 54-year-old will join fellow firefighters Robin Sneddon and Dion Wilson on the 1103 steps up the tower on May 23.

As part of her efforts for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation, Doris walked the 32 kilometres from Te Karaka to Gisborne last Sunday in her firefighting kit.

“It was 28 degrees that day but I didn’t really feel the heat,” she says.

“My firefighting gear is fire-proof, so it must be heat-proof ?too.

“I was a bit sore in the legs afterwards, though.”

Fellow Gisborne volunteer firefighter Jahnel Puhipuhi walked with her all the way, carrying a donations bucket but wearing more sensible clothing.

“We banked $562.60 yesterday, so that gets our joint fundraising effort off to a flying start,” Doris said.

“Thanks to everyone who supported me.”

To support the Gisborne trio you can do so online at leukaemia.org.nz and click on the find-a-fighter link, or go to www.firefightersclimb.org.nz