TWO Eaglehawk firefighters will be climbing to new heights in an effort to raise funds for mental health support services.
Jake Stobaus and Dylan Harris will join more than 600 people for the 2019 Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb on Saturday, September 7.
The annual event raises money for the Emergency Services Foundation, Black Dog Institute, and Lifeline.
Mr Stobaus said they were causes that were close to his heart.
"I think for a lot of males in emergency services, they think if you speak up that you're mentally not well then you're not manly enough," he said.
"It's just about breaking that stigma and saying it's ok to say that you're not ok."
Those participating in the event must wear 25 kilograms of protective clothing while climbing up 28 floors at the Crown Metropol Hotel in Melbourne.
Mr Stobaus, who completed the climb last year, said it was not an easy event to complete.
"You're kind of just going around in circles and there's no air flow throughout the stairwell," he said.
"The thing is our gear is not meant for what we're doing. So we have wildfire gear that is for bushfires and grass fires - that gear is breathable.
"But our structure gear is not breathable because it is very thick. So when you sweat, your body heat gets trapped so your body heats up very quickly.
"But there are paramedics around if something happens."
Mr Harris, who will complete the climb for the first time, said it would have a special significance for him.
"I just wanted to do something different," he said. "My Pa died earlier this year and I thought I could give something back to him.
"He was a firefighter for many years and this could be something to honour him."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
