Source : Perth Now news
Inside Perth Airport’s fire station, a group of local heroes are preparing to trade high-stakes airfield rescues for a relentless test of human spirit.
The Aviation Rescue and Firefighting team will push their physical endurance to the absolute limit at this year’s Telethon Family Festival, tackling a gruelling 24-hour walking relay dubbed “Walk your ARFF off for Telethon”.
A team of around 20 firefighters will keep a self-powered treadmill moving continuously for a full day and night — all while wearing their heavy uniform and breathing apparatus.
Clint Bryan, leading aviation rescue firefighter, said the extra gear adds a massive physical toll to the endurance test.
“You’re probably looking at an extra 18 to 20 kilos wearing that,” Mr Bryan said.
“I guess you could say it’s like picking up a 20 kilo weight plate and trying to walk on a treadmill.”
It marks a bold shift for the team after two consecutive years of conquering the stairs at Whitfords Nodes, where they repeatedly climbed the iconic beachside steps to match the staggering height of Mount Everest.
Lead Firefighter Phil Birch said the crew was ready to pivot and test their limits in a whole new environment.
“We felt like a new challenge this year,” Mr Birch said.
“After back-to-back years climbing the Whitfords stairs, which we were very proud of, the team felt like changing things up with a fresh challenge.”
This year’s marathon walk will take place live in the heart of the action inside RAC Arena’s upstairs Challenge Yourself Hub, on October 17 and 18, giving everyday West Aussies a front-row seat to the crew’s test of stamina.
For the Perth Airport fire station, stepping into the festival precinct offers a rare chance to connect directly with the local community they protect every day behind airfield security fences.
“Challenging ourselves for Telethon is a great opportunity to get involved a bit more in the wider community,” Mr Birch said.
“And of course, the main reason for participating again this year is how rewarding it is to get behind the fantastic WA spirit of Telethon.”
Despite their demanding training schedule ahead of the 24-hour relay, morale across the station is riding high.
“We are feeling strong ahead of this year’s challenge,” Mr Birch said.
“It will definitely test our limits, but all for the right reasons.”
For Mr Bryan and the rest of the team, the inspiration to push through the pain comes directly from the young patients Telethon supports.
“We’re in the business of helping people, so when you see sick kids and we’ve all got kids of our own — I’ve got a five-year-old — and when you see the sick kids and what they go through and how happy the kids are going through all that, I think trying to raise a bit of money is the least you can do to help those kids,” Mr Bryan said.
“The positivity from the kids — even though they’re so sick and they’re doing it tough and them being positive — motivates us to step it up and do something that can help them.”
Festival-goers can drop by the Challenge Yourself Hub on Level 1 at RAC Arena during Telethon weekend to cheer on the ARFF crew, show their support, and chip in to help WA’s sick and vulnerable children.
