Testing themselves for a wonderful cause

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. Photo / File

Every day six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers like leukaemia and related blood conditions. LBC receives no government funding.

It's for that reason that events like today's Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge are so important.

But the event would be nothing without those giving their time and effort to take on the lung busting challenge.

And our local brigades have more than done the region proud. Today the Bay's firefighters will be racing up Auckland's Sky Tower after raising more than $50,000 for LBC.

Teams from Napier, Hastings and Waipawa volunteer fire brigades as well as Tamatea Rural Fire Force will do battle up 51 flights of stairs in an excruciating test of stamina and determination.

As of last night, Napier's team had raised more than $25,000, Hastings more than $14,000, Waipawa more than $2000 and Tamatea more than $12,000.

These funds will be used to support LBC's work in the community including the charity's core services such as personalised support for patients and their families.

This includes running support groups, programmes, hospital visits and being there at the end of the phone to answer questions patients and families may have and provide information about their condition.

LBC also provides funding for research into finding cures and better treatments, raising awareness of these diseases and advocating on behalf of patients.

Over the last three years the event has raised more than $1 million due to the efforts of brigades throughout New Zealand.

The fundraising target for the 2018 event is $950,000. With 950 firefighters taking part in the event this is a target of $1000 per entry.

Every cent raised will go directly towards helping the six Kiwis a day that are diagnosed with a blood cancer or related blood condition.

Well done and good luck to all involved in raising awareness and funds for such an important cause.