Nelsonians are being invited to participate in a special sunset walk along Nelson Airport’s runway to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand and the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.
The walk, which takes place from 8pm on Saturday 25 February, is open to everyone for just a gold coin donation and supports airport fire officers Murray Hart and Matt van der Heyden’s entry into the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.
The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is a massive national fundraising event to help sufferers of leukaemia and blood cancer. It involves firefighters from all over New Zealand taking on the gruelling challenge of racing up 51 flights of stairs to the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower in 25kg of full firefighting kit.
All the money raised for Murray and Matt’s entry goes directly to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, which helps provide support for patients and their families, as well as funding research and raising awareness.
As Murray explains, entry into the Challenge is becoming more and more popular each year.
“Automatic entry is only guaranteed if each firefighter can raise $1500, otherwise they have to enter a ballot. Matt and I have done the challenge a few times before but we are determined to do it again this year so really need the public to get in behind us and help raise the necessary $3000.”
Ascending the Sky Tower in full kit is no walk in the park either.
“Every year, those 51 flights of stairs seem to get harder and harder,” Murray says. “It is an absolute lung-burster and as you are racing the clock there is no time to rest and catch your breath. It’s worth it though, to know you are helping people who really need it.”
“I really want to encourage people to come down on Saturday night and support what we are doing. This is the first opportunity the public have ever had to access the runway and I have no doubt they will enjoy the experience of seeing a different side of the airport than they are used to.”
Parking for Walk the Runway will be free and there will be assistance for those who need it via one of the airport’s golf carts. The family-friendly walk (no dogs though, sorry) will take roughly 45 minutes to an hour, during which time the runway will be closed. Walkers will also have the opportunity to get a close up look at Flick, the airport’s new fire truck, and can go in the draw to win a Baby Weber BBQ. Participants should bring a torch or a headlamp.