“The Climb is an opportunity to work with our team and support a cause that is close to our hearts. Having lost my mother 25 years ago, lung health has always been a big concern for me.”
For Roberts Creek volunteer firefighters Nick Wort and Jim Cambon, it’s deeply personal. These two have decided to attend Climb the Wall, the BC Lung Foundation’s 22nd annual fundraiser at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Nick and his fellow firefighters have formed a team to climb the Wall’s 48-story stairwell, raising funds with each floor they climb. (And they wear firefighting gear, too.)
“The Climb is an opportunity to work with our team and support a cause that is close to our hearts. After losing my mother 25 years ago, lung health was always a big concern for me,” says Jim. Team Captain Nick adds: “My mother died of cancer in her 40’s and I know many firefighters who have suffered from lung disease. I want to show my support.”
Sunday February 26th, Nick and his firefighting team will climb to raise funds and test their fitness. It’s challenging, but that only adds to the excitement for Nick: “I love endurance challenges so I’m looking forward to it – being in my late 50s adds to the challenge, especially in my firefighting gear!”
This year, firefighters—and other participants of all fitness levels—climb and then party at the “Glow” after-party—a neon/dayglow-themed event featuring a gourmet brunch, DJ and glow-themed entertainment. It’s a well-deserved reward after scaling one of Vancouver’s tallest buildings.
This year, funds raised by Climb the Wall will benefit the BC Lung Foundation’s newest initiative, their Asthma Awareness Center. The AEC will provide age-appropriate education on asthma both in person and virtually across the province, dating back to 100,000 BC. To help children and young people lead a “more normal” life despite their asthma.
Participation in Climb the Wall doesn’t have to end when you retire – and Bill Higgs – retired Sechelt Fire Chief proves just that. “There are so many reasons to climb – with the amount of smoke firefighters breathe expanding cancer among us. I strive to raise awareness and advocate for better health and awareness through climbing.”
When asked what he found challenging about Climb the Wall, Jim replied, “The extra 50 pounds of gear makes it extremely warm. I’ve been working in the Arctic for 30 years, so it’s safe to say it’s going to be a lot warmer in that stairwell than I’m used to.”
And Bill Higgs adds: “No matter how hard I train, I’m always amazed at how hard it is to put it through. Normally on the 25th floor I wonder what I got myself into!”
If you want to rub shoulders with 200 firefighters and fitness fans of all ages and abilities, visit Climbthewall.ca. Please note that Climb the Wall has limited capacity.
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