IT'S been a massive week for our local firefighters.
Not only have they battled blazes in the Hunter Valley - and further afield, but members from Aberdeen, Denman and Muswellbrook Fire and Rescue NSW stations tackled the annual Firies Climb for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on November 9.
They joined about 600 colleagues to scale the iconic Sydney Tower Eye as quickly as possible in full structural firefighting attire.
That's 1504 stairs, with each man and woman carrying an additional 20kg of gear.
Along the way, the Upper Hunter contingent raised more than $30,000 - at least - to help eradicate MND.
All funds go directly to the Macquarie University MND Research Centre so it can find a cure to the terrible disease.
"We're just happy to do our bit," Denman retained firefighter (RFF) Amon Burkill said.
"Our team climbed in two groups - the first three (Logan McKenzie, Steve Kendall and Malcolm Kendall) stayed in Sydney and hit it early.
"Myself, Richard Wilkins and Laani Wright did it a bit after.
"It's tough.
"However, it is nothing in comparison to the challenge patients with MND face every day.
"We also raffled off a 25k Can-Am side-by-side buggy.
"We're yet to do a tally but we believe we have made a decent profit."
At Muswellbrook, Nathan McDonald, Chris Forbes, Justin Melia, Lisa Morgan, Brad Kane, Jess Partridge and James Markham flew the "392 flag".
"So far, we are over $10,000," RFF Morgan said.
"But, with money still to be banked, we should hit around $12,000."
Aberdeen's Shane Hasselmann, Matt Thompson, Derek Wicks, Ryan King, Sid Bailey and Kane Duggan reached their targets - on and off the Firies Climb - too.
"Our community is bloody amazing," RFF King said.
"We are proud to say we raised in excess of $10,000.
"We'd like to thank every single person who donated money towards this great cause."
To cap off a hectic seven days, the crew at 392, in Muswellbrook, also participated in the Upper Hunter Liquor Accord's annual highly-informative high school Education Seminar on November 14.
