Rotorua firefighters take on 51-flight challenge

'Vegas Boys' Jeffrey Hall and Quentin Hamilton (pictured), with friends Rhys Frearson and Jacob Collins are taking on the Sky Tower Stair Challenge to raise money for charity. Photo/Supplied

Tackling the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, Rotorua firefighters are aiming to conquer 51 flights of stairs while dressed in 25kg of gear as part of the Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

The annual event, held tomorrow, will see more than 900 firefighters from New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Germany and the United States take on the 1103 steps of Auckland's Sky Tower, with a goal to raise $900,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Rotorua Airport firefighter Jeffrey Hall is taking on the challenge for the second time with teammate Rhys Frearson, and will be joined by ex-Rotorua Airport firefighters Quentin Hamilton and Jacob Collins to form Team 'Vegas Boys'.

"Last year, Quentin and I tackled the challenge and enjoyed the experience so much that we're back with a team of four," Mr Hall said.

"Like a lot of people in New Zealand, cancer has affected members of our family in some way, so taking on the Sky Tower Stair Challenge is an awesome way to raise awareness of the cause and give a little bit back."

Each day, six New Zealanders are diagnosed with blood cancer and Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families.

"It's also a charity that receives no government funding so we're aiming to raise $4000 as a team through the challenge," he said.

"We've been fundraising through barbecues and collections at Bike the Runway, though the Rotorua community has helped us immensely with the likes of the Rotorua Night Market, local businesses and Thrifty, Europcar and Hertz rental car agencies going out of their way to help us."

Rotorua Airport chief executive Mark Gibb said the airport was proud of the Vegas Boys' commitment to the challenge.

"It's been great to see the airport community and wider Rotorua community support the team and it has created a real sense of camaraderie."

Chasing the category record for wearing full kit (no mask), the team are in full training mode to ensure they're over-prepared.

"Rhys and I have been running the Novotel's stairs with our full kit on to get as fit as possible, running the seven storeys 15 times most days," Mr Hall said.

"I know what to expect this year. I remember reaching the 30th floor last year and thinking, I can easily give up, but you just have to keep going. Once you reach the top, there are people cheering and clapping for you - it's an awesome experience and I'm looking forward to being amongst the atmosphere again."

Seven Ngongotaha Fire Brigade volunteers and Rotorua Fire Brigade's Ashley Longhurst are also taking part in the challenge.

Ngongotaha Fire Brigade chief Francis Boag said it should be a good day.

"This is my fifth year doing it, we have our own little pool on how fast we can get up there," he said.

"I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters and people who have supported us with fundraising, especially Countdown Fairy Springs Rd."

Visit www.firefightersclimb.org.nz to donate online.

The Vegas Boys are also holding a car wash fundraiser for the cause on Monday from 10am - 3pm at Rotorua Airport for a minimum donation of $10.