PARAMEDICS from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) are bringing emergency service colleagues together to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a special memorial stair climb.

On Friday, September 11, Paramedics Lee Palfrey and Simon White will take on the challenge at Wellington Sports Centre (Everyone Active), climbing the equivalent of 110 floors, representing the number of floors climbed by emergency service responders inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Lee and Simon will complete the climb wearing their uniforms and operational kit as a mark of respect to the emergency responders who ran towards danger that morning and never returned home.

Lee said: “It’s about remembering those who lost their lives, recognising the courage and sacrifice of emergency service personnel, and bringing our services together in their memory.

“Twenty-five years on, their bravery and sacrifice continue to resonate with emergency responders around the world.”

The memorial stair climb will bring together colleagues from across the emergency services to remember the 343 ambulance, fire, police and other emergency responders who lost their lives that day while trying to protect others, alongside recognising the dedication and courage of those who continue to serve their communities today.

Alongside the memorial, Lee and Simon are raising funds for the South Western Ambulance Charity, which supports ambulance staff, volunteers and communities across the South West.

They are encouraging colleagues, friends, family and members of the public to support their challenge and help raise as much as possible for the charity which works alongside the South Western Ambulance Service to help enhance care and support for staff and patients, in critical moments.

Donations to the charity help to support staff well-being, equip volunteers and improve access to lifesaving CPR and defibrillation.

To support Lee and Simon’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, visit their JustGiving page.