Powys firefighters among team taking on landmark 9/11 memorial stair climb in Atlanta

Firefighters from Powys will be among nine Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service members taking on a 110-floor challenge to honour the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11 2001.

The team are currently training for a unique and moving challenge that will see them travel to Atlanta, USA, to take part in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, marking the 25th anniversary year of the terrorist attacks.

Firefighter Rebecca Barden from Presteigne Fire Station, Crew manager Stephen Ratcliffe of Hay on Wye station, firefighter Lisa Reynolds from Newtown fire station, firefighter Christina James and Station Manager Carl Williams both from Brecon Fire Station, will be part of the team.

They will be joined by Station Manager Oliver Tziros – Training Delivery, Crew Manager Antony Pugh – Port Talbot Fire Station, Crew Manager Rhys Fitzgerald – Kidwelly Fire Station and Firefighter Trystan Griffiths – Glynneath Fire Station.

They will climb the equivalent of 110 floors, matching the height of the World Trade Centre towers, in tribute to the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the events on September 11, 2001.

The memorial climb will take place on Saturday, September 5 2026, and crew have been training for months to prepare for the demanding ascent.

Alongside commemorating the fallen, the challenge is also raising much-needed funds for three charitable causes that support members of the emergency services community and their families including The Fire Fighters Charity – providing life-changing support to UK firefighters and their loved ones (UK), Blue Light Card Foundation – championing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the entire Blue Light Community, including health, emergency, social care, and armed forces personnel, recognising the vital role they play in society every day (UK) and The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund – supporting firefighters and their families in the U.S.

They hope that by taking on this challenge, they will not only honour the memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 but also inspire others to recognise the ongoing commitment and sacrifice shown by emergency service personnel every day.

This fundraising effort also takes place during a landmark year for MAWWFRS as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

While the stair climb is first and foremost an opportunity to remember and honour the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, it also provides a meaningful way for the team to recognise the values that have shaped MAWWFRS over the past three decades. Through remembrance, service and support for fellow emergency service personnel, the challenge reflects the commitment to community that has defined the organisation since its formation in 1996.

Lead member of the team, Station Manager Carl Williams said: "I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected to take part this challenge and proud to represent Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in Atlanta alongside my colleagues. Taking part in this memorial climb is an opportunity to honour the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 and to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten."

“We’re all proud to represent the Service, their communities and the UK fire sector on an international stage, standing shoulder to shoulder in remembrance, respect and solidarity as the 25th anniversary approaches.”

If you would like to support the team you can donate to Carl Williams JustGiving or Presteigne Fire Station JustGiving, however, there are several JustGiving pages that have been established, with additional fundraising campaigns being organised by participating stations, including Presteigne Fire Station.

For further information, please contact Carl Williams [email protected]

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “We would like to wish the team all the best for the climb!”