Damien French

Climbing for CFA Wangaratta

Hi. On September 10th I’ll be climbing 28 floors in 25kg of kit and helping to raise $600,000 to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues.

Please help me “Step up to fight depression, PTSI and suicide” by sponsoring me below.

I’d just like to include some facts,
– 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. That’s more than double the road toll.
– 75% of those who take their own life are male.
– An unknown number of Australians attempt suicide every year, with some estimates suggesting this figure may be over 65,000.
– Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
– Suicide rates in Defence, Emergency services and protective services is elevated compared to other occupations.
– 12% of Australians experience PTSI in their life time.
– PTSI is more prevalent in occupations with higher exposures to trauma, including the defence force, emergency services and protective services.
– For each life lost to suicide, the impacts are felt by up to 135 people including the family, friends, work colleagues and first responders at time of death.

The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb aims to break down the stigma around mental health and be a leader in the emergency services community in the mental health space.

100% of every dollar donated will go to mental health.

So thank you for taking your time to donate to a worthy cause.


9/11 Memorial
The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb remembers the 343 Firefighters that lost their lives in the line of duty on 11th September 2001.

My stair climb race bib will include the name and photo of FDNY Firefighter Paul M Beyer in memory of their sacrifice made on that fateful day. Read more about Paul M Beyer.

So far, I've raised $1,109 of my $1,000 fundraising goal.

Race result

2022$1,109

10:46.330 Donned only

Start Line Footage!

Crossing the Finish Line

Note: Some of the footage above may not include footage of you due to stream cuts or content changes for operational reasons

Recent donations from Damien’s friends

  • $100
    Ian Lyons
    5 months ago
  • $120
    Owen Godenzi
    5 months ago ● Can’t have you miss out on reaching your goal mate. Hope this helps buddy. Well done.
  • $25
    Cole Family
    5 months ago ● Good luck Damien!!
  • $150
    Damien French
    5 months ago
  • $50
    Ron Renkin
    5 months ago
  • $10
    Sammy
    5 months ago
  • $25
    Heath French
    5 months ago ● Good luck have fun
  • $175
    Batteries
    5 months ago
  • $20
    Bruty
    5 months ago
  • $50
    Brendon & Louise French
    5 months ago ● Proud of you buddy. All the best. xx
  • $25
    Em Doig
    5 months ago ● Good luck, don't be too hard on yourself you'll do an amazing job for a great cause!
  • $25
    French family
    5 months ago ● Good luck, amazing job your doing!
  • $25
    Jodie Wells
    5 months ago ● Good work Damo! From the Wellsies

    Thanks Wellsies!

  • $25
    Jodie Wells
    5 months ago ● Good work Damo! From the Wellsies
  • $25
    Wangaratta Computers
    5 months ago ● Go Team!
  • $25
    Bruce Gooday
    5 months ago ● Good luck!
  • $25
    Bec Nolan
    6 months ago ● Amazing thing ur doing, hope it all goes well and good luck!
  • $50
    Lesley Forman
    6 months ago ● Well done Damien ... a great effort. Have fun.

    Thank you so much!

  • $100
    Ackroyds
    6 months ago
  • $50
    The Howe Family
    6 months ago

    Thank you!