MORE than 60 Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters crossed this year’s City2Surf finish line each wearing 20kg of firefighting gear and raising $158,294 for children suffering serious burns injuries.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell joined fellow firefighters to tackle Heartbreak Hill, wearing helmets and breathing apparatus, to raise vital funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
This event was the latest fundraising effort led by FRNSW volunteer group, Beat the Burn, with the majority of funds being donated directly to the Burns Unit, FRNSW’s official number “002” Station.
Commissioner Fewtrell said he was motivated to participate for the second year after attending incidents where children have suffered life-changing burns.
“These injuries can take years for a child to fully recover from,” Mr Fewtrell said.
“FRNSW is committed to supporting these brave kids, whether it’s raising money or helping prevent burns injuries through our education programs.
“Yesterday was hard, but if we can help make a difference in the lives of sick kids, it’s all worth it.”
This year a portion of funds raised will also be donated to SCHF’s Sydney Sick Kids Fund, in memory of Firefighter Michael Rennie’s late son, Riley, who died after a battle with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.
Firefighter Rennie said Riley received numerous treatments at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead before his death at just six months old.
“Every day I would walk past The Burns Unit and see the signage for FRNSW 002 Station. It made me so proud, knowing that the organisation I work for helps kids just like Riley,” Mr Rennie said.
“Riley spent 96 days in Westmead Hospital fighting this terribly rare disorder and he will be remembered as our brave little warrior.
“Those 14 kilometres were a challenge. It was hot, heavy and at times overwhelming, but every step we took was in memory of Riley and other kids just like him.”
Commissioner Fewtrell and the firefighters celebrated the end of the 14-kilometre event by presenting a cheque to Colin Allen, Chief Philanthropy Officer at SCHF.
Mr Allen said that community fundraising events like City2Surf show the extraordinary power of people coming together for a shared purpose – to help sick kids live their healthiest lives.
“Every dollar raised helps, from funding cutting-edge research to providing world-class clinical care. Together, we are changing the future for sick kids,” he said.
“For some kids, childhood is far from what it should be. Instead of playdates, there are appointments. Instead of sleepovers, there are stays. Instead of firsts, there can be lasts. No child should have to go through this, but those who do deserve our all.
“Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community of supporters, SCHF can continue having both immediate effect and long-term impact on the lives and treatment of sick and injured children across NSW.”
For more information, visit Beat the Burn.
