Next level effort for mental health

By Ewen McRae

Three local firefighters are stepping up in the fight for better mental health.

Eynesbury CFA members Scott Mulheran, his 19-year-old son Ben, and Nick Charlton, will be tackling the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on September 7, racing up the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel.

To make the task even tougher, the trio will do the climb in full firefighting gear, an extra 25 kilograms each.

It’s all to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities. Scott said they were proud to be taking part in the event for the first time.

“I think being in the CFA, we all like to give back when we can,” he said.

“Mental health is something that touches everyone, and we decided it was a good opportunity to step up and give it a go.

“The brigade is only just over five years old, so just the three of us are taking part this year but we hope to grow it in the future.”

All three men have been working with personal trainers for several months to prepare for the gruelling task.

Scott said tackling the challenge with his son made the experience all the more memorable.

“It will actually be Father’s Day the day after the climb, so it’s pretty special,” he said.

“To be doing it side by side with Ben is fantastic. He’s been in the CFA since he was allowed to join up at 16, so he’s got his head switched on.”

The trio have already raised more than $2000 for the event charities.

Donate at firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/eynesbury