Matthew Hitchens

Climbing for FR NSW FRNSW

“On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, myself and other firefighters and emergency service personnel are taking a stand against depression, PTSI, and suicide. We’ll be ascending the 28 floors of Crown Metropol Hotel, each of us clad in 25kgs of turnout gear and breathing apparatus, simulating the actions of a firefighter entering a burning high rise building in full structural firefighting protective clothing, and wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA ) and the strenuous conditions faced in battling fires. In the adrenaline-fueled ‘Donned & Started’ category, competitors race with their breathing apparatus ‘on air,’ showcasing the intensity of our mission.

The Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb is an annual beacon of hope, drawing firefighters (both career and volunteer) and emergency service personnel from across Australasia and beyond to unite in both competition and fundraising efforts. This event not only tests our physical endurance but also symbolizes our unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

Representing a diverse array of emergency service agencies, including police, state emergency services, forest fire management, and ambulance services, participants don their agency-specific protective gear, embodying the spirit of solidarity and shared purpose.

Your support is crucial in our collective mission to combat these silent battles. Please consider donating now at FIREFIGHTERCLIMB.ORG.AU and join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

Together, we climb. Together, we conquer.

Matthew Hitchens”

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 Edward J Rall in memory of their sacrifice made on that fateful day. Search and read more about Edward J Rall.

So far, I've raised $135 of my $500 fundraising goal.

Race result

2024$135

6:34.470 Donned and started

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 Matthew’s friends

  • $25
    Matthew Hitchens
    2 months ago
  • $60
    Matthew Hitchens
    4 months ago
  • $50
    Matthew
    5 months ago

Previous year’s results

2023$340

10:59.0 Donned and started

2022$140

2021$165

2020$115

2019$260

8:18.190 Donned and started

2018$325

7:27.250 Donned and started