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.
