Merseyside firefighters climbing Radio City Tower 343 times to commemorate 9/11

Merseyside firefighters will climb the stairs of the Radio City Tower 343 times on Saturday to remember the firefighters who died during the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Center.

This year marks two decades since the catastrophic terrorist attacks in which 343 firefighters lost their lives.

Around 70 firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) will be donning full firefighter kit, breathing apparatus and helmets to climb the Radio City Tower which has 93 flights of stairs and 46 floors.

The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center had 110 floors and collapsed after being struck by two planes in the attack.

Fundraising target

MFRS firefighter Thomas Molyneux has organised the event, which will raise money for The Firefighters Charity (FFC) and the FDNY Foundation.

The FFC supports the British firefighting community in their times of need with physical, mental and welfare support.

The FDNY Foundation was set up to support the families of fallen firefighters in New York.

A JustGiving fundraising page aiming to raise £1,911 has raised over £2,000 so far.

Firefighting community

Molyneux, who has been a firefighter for five years, told LiverpoolWorld: “The 9/11 attack was one of those moments that if you are old enough to remember, you know exactly where you were when it happened.

“It is important that we remember the sacrifices that were made.

“Firefighters are like one big family - your home from home. I have been over to New York and they have the same vibe there.

“I have been amazed by the support and the volunteers for our event. There are so many firefighters willing to help out.

“We will be going up in small teams in full equipment - weighing about 15kg. It is what the firefighters did that day at the World Trade Center.

“The World Trade Center had 110 floors and the Radio City Tower is 46. If everyone could climb the equivalent height of the twin towers that would be a real target for each person.

“We wanted to raise money for two amazing charities for the 20th anniversary, but for me, it is also about ensuring the moment that changed peoples lives is not forgotten and remembering the sacrifices on that day.”

Alan Knell, FCC North West regional fundraiser, said: “The Fire Fighters Charity are delighted to be supported in such a big way by Merseyside Fire and Rescue, it’s clearly a very emotional day for firefighters all across the world.

“I’m sure the firefighters will do the fallen firefighters of the New York Fire Department proud, and continue to support the current fire family in Britain who are struggling today.”

What’s happening on the day?

09:00 - the first group of firefighters will ascend the Radio City Tower to the top floor.

10:00 - A fire engine will be at Williamson Square with crews. Firefighters are asking the public to join them and show support.

18:00 Approximate finishing time of the event.

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