A firefighter in their full turnout gear is not what you expect to see at the gym, and definitely not using the stair master. But it has become the norm for Ashley Krive.

The Malmsbury firefighter has begun training for the gruelling Melbourne Firefighter Stair-climb in recreating the experience.

“Training has become a bit more involved now,” she told the Express.

“My gym has been really good at allowing me to bring in clear gear to practise. Most people there know that I am training for the challenge so they understand what is going on.”

On September 6, she will join 1000 firefighters and emergency service personnel to compete in the challenge that will see them suit up in 25kg of gear and climb 28 floors of Melbourne’s Crown Metropol.

The climb raises funds and awareness for cancer research and crisis including Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation.

This year marks Ashley’s seventh stair climb but this is the first year she’s done it solo. Last year, she completed it with her mother Linda who had just recovered from cancer, raising $2200.

“I enjoy the challenge of it and I like what it stands for,” Ashley said.

“There are certainly first responders with PTSD and mental health battles because of the nature of the work. We see it quite a lot.”

The Romsey Fire Brigade team members also felt connected to cause as first-responders.

This year’s Romsey team includes Matthew Moore, Thomas Ruessmann, Michael Envall, Martyn Osborn and Chris Owens.

“All of us recognise that what we do is challenging. We go to a lot of significant incidents and that affects people in different ways,” Thomas said.

“We also want to challenge ourselves and if we can do that while the raising funds for these causes, it’s a good thing.”

Romsey has so far raised a combined $2595 towards their $5000 target, and for some members, the challenge is return effort.

Gisborne Fire Brigade is also entering the challenge with some previous challengers. This year’s team includes Berris Saultry, Lei De Giy, Di Dale and Rhylee Musgrove.

Each of the participants have their own reason, and for Lei, the stair climb hits close to home.

“After losing close friends to suicide and facing cancer personally, I’ve come to understand how deeply these battles can affect individuals and communities,” she said.

“[This is] my first climb to show that no one should feel alone in their fight.”

Other brigades with teams giving the challenge their all this year include Kyneton, Lancefield, Castlemaine and Campbells Creek.

Kyneton Fire Brigade’s team includes Blake Dickins, Tristian Smith, Nic Hanna, Rohan Dickins, Luke Tracey, Stephanie Sharp and Royce Sharp, who have so far raised $1956 toward their target.

Lancefield Fire Brigade’s Nathan Agius will also be among those stepping up to the challenge. So far, he has raised $270 of his $500 fundraising goal.

Team members competing for Castlemaine Fire Brigade are Harper Russell and Peta Ballinger, and for Campbells Creek Fire Brigade those racing the clock are Ash Hawes and Chris Cook.

People can donate to the cause via the website: firefighterclimb.org.au and by searching the individual or fire brigade team they wish to donate to, and following the prompts. The climb takes place on September 6.

  • Ashley Krive is tackling the Melbourne Firefighter Stair-climb for the seventh time. She is pictured with her mum Linda at last year’s event.
  • Lancefield Fire Brigade’s Nathan Agius will participate in this year’s climb.
  • Romsey Fire Brigade’s team is Matthew Moore, Thomas Ruessmann, Michael Envall, Martyn Osborn and Chris Owens.