Five West Yorkshire firefighters have completed the Terry Farrell Firefighters’ Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, an event held to honour the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11 — and two more colleagues are now preparing a very different tribute of their own, cycling to every fire station in West Yorkshire to mark 25 years since the attacks.
Spencer Priestley, Luke Garnett, Zoe Ricketts, Kev Sutcliffe and Matty Birch took part in the Atlanta climb alongside firefighters from across the UK and Ireland who had travelled out for the event. The team climbed 110 floors — matching the height of the World Trade Center — inside the Atlanta Braves’ baseball stadium, kitted out in full fire gear despite temperatures hitting 38 degrees, with each participant wearing a lanyard showing the face of one firefighter who never made it home.
Their efforts were recognised by the event’s organisers, senior fire officers from Cobb County Fire & Rescue Service in Atlanta, a Deputy Chief Fire Officer from the New York Fire Department, and relatives of some of the NYFD firefighters lost 25 years ago. The group also visited Atlanta’s Fire Department Training Facility and several fire stations around the city.
Kev described the climb as “an emotional and humbling experience”, while Zoe said: “Really emotional- they had pictures of all the 343 firefighters in the twin towers displayed as we were doing it- was really hot but we all did it in full kit and we didn’t stop.”
Spencer added: “I’m absolutely shattered but it was an absolute privilege to do it- I need some refreshments now!” The challenge raised money for three charities: The Fire Fighters Charity, The Terry Farrell Firefighter Foundation, and The Blue Light Card Foundation.
Gearing up
Meanwhile, Crew Commander Tom Else and firefighter Ben Moody are gearing up for their own 9/11 memorial challenge: cycling to every fire station in West Yorkshire inside 24 moving hours, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity. Their route starts in Morley and is designed to finish at FSHQ and Spen Valley Fire Station, split into six stages of roughly 40 to 50 miles each.
Tom said: “There’s two reasons behind me planning this challenge- firstly to mark 9/11- personally I remember exactly what I was doing that day, you get people like Ben who weren’t even born then, but 343 firefighters died at one job. 343 people who went to work to help people didn’t go home. I don’t think that should be easily forgotten.
“Secondly we’re really keen to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity. In 2024 I fractured my spine and they helped me massively. I always respected the work they did but after the rehab and support they gave me I can’t put into words how important it is — they fix broken firefighters. I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to the challenge- I’m looking forward to finishing it! It is going to be really hard, but most of the battle is in your head- and I’m hoping the support from colleagues across the service will really help too.”
Ben said: “I’ve fallen back on some of my old cycling training- I’ve never done this kind of mileage though so this will be a touch into the unknown. With the thought of raising charity money I’m sure we will do it. 9/11 happened when I was a baby so I have no recollection but I still wanted to honour their sacrifice.
“This ride is a fitting tribute to the people who died, as the Fire Fighters Charity do so much looking after firefighters. They look after our colleagues, our families and are there to support us so it’s our right to go about supporting them.”
