Sky Tower Stair Challenge firefighters raise record amount

Ngongotaha volunteer firefighters train in full kit as they prepared for the Sky Tower Stair Challenge. Photo / Ben Fraser

Firefighters raised a record $471,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand by racing up 51 flights of stairs to the top of the country's tallest building.

Over 500 firefighters participated in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge on Saturday, climbing up 1103 steps while wearing full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.

Josh Harrison from Otara Station set a new event record reaching the top of the tower in 8 minutes and 37 seconds.

The fastest woman was Sandy Hearn from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in Melbourne, with a time of 14 minutes and 12 seconds.

The top individual fundraiser was Dave Wills from Silverstream Volunteer Fire Brigade who raised $14,674.

"It has been truly amazing to see all the wonderful effort firefighters from across the country have put in on our behalf, and as we provide a national service the money they have raised will go back into their communities. We are extremely grateful for their support," said Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand chief executive Pru Etcheverry.