Nine Lake Hāwea fire fighters are preparing to climb 51 flights of stairs in full firefighting kit - and they’ve all completed the Auckland Sky Tower Challenge before.

Lorne Capell, Teresa Cotter, Lily Graham, John Cooper, Phoenix Cooper, Africa Barker, Sam Hensley, Benn Cash, and Amie Cotter are all “repeat offenders” in the annual fundraising challenge.

This is the third time a group from the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade has competed, and there are just two weeks’ of training left before the team heads to Auckland, Amie said.

“Training schedules are up to the individual, but Snap Fitness have very kindly sponsored us gym memberships, so the stair machine has been getting a good workout,” she said.

“Our local mountainous terrain is also always a bonus.” 

The event is a fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Every day, eight Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer or a related blood condition. It can affect anyone, at any age and any time in life. 

Last year the event raised nearly $2M, with the Lake Hāwea brigade contributing $11,000, Amie said.

“This year we are on track to donate even more,” she said. A hundred percent of the proceeds from a quiz night and auction on Friday (May 9) went directly to the cause. 

People can also donate here.

The challenge will take place in Auckland on Saturday May 24. 

PHOTO: Supplied