Firefighters at Gatwick Airport complete charity stair climb challenge

Credit: London Gatwick Airport

Firefighters from the London Gatwick Airport (LGA) Fire and Rescue Service have recently undertaken a stair climb challenge, successfully raising £2,000 for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and the Fire Fighters Charity.

The event involved participants ascending and descending the central staircase in the South Terminal departure lounge, simulating a climb of 110 floors while wearing full firefighting gear weighing 23kg, including breathing apparatus.

During the challenge, passengers at the airport were encouraged to learn about the causes supported by the event and were also given the opportunity to donate through an official fundraising page, which remains open for contributions.

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at London Gatwick, expressed pride in the firefighters’ achievement, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our firefighters for completing such a demanding challenge in support of these two remarkable charities. Both KSS and the Fire Fighters Charity provide vital, life-saving services to our community, and the funds raised will help ensure they can continue their invaluable work.”

KSS, one of Gatwick’s official charity partners, operates helicopters that respond to over 3,300 emergencies each year across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The Fire Fighters Charity assists active and retired fire service personnel and their families, offering face-to-face support at its centres, including one in Littlehampton.

This year, £250,000 has been allocated for community initiatives through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust, with an additional £100,000 set to be distributed in November from the London Gatwick Foundation Fund, bringing the total for 2024 to £300,000.

Gatwick Airport has also shown support for local charity events, including the Surrey Heli Hike in August and the upcoming Sussex Heli Hike scheduled for 5 October 2024.