North Yorkshire firefighters join international mission to honour the 343 heroes of 9/11 

Nine firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) are preparing to take part in a remarkable international challenge that will honour the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.  

The North Yorkshire team will join firefighters from across the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and beyond at the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia, on 5 September 2026.  

Together, a team of 343 firefighters from the UK and Ireland will climb 110 floors, to replicate the height of the World Trade Centre towers and paying tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the attacks in New York.    

For the nine firefighters representing North Yorkshire, the event is about far more than a physical challenge. It is an opportunity to honour fallen colleagues, recognise the sacrifices made by emergency service personnel around the world, and strengthen the bonds that unite firefighters regardless of nationality, service, or location.    

The North Yorkshire contingent will proudly represent the county and its communities as part of a wider UK and Ireland delegation travelling to Atlanta between 3 and 6 September 2026.    

The team members are:  

Station Manager Mike Sutcliffe, Watch Manager Daz Smith, Crew Manager Steve Simpson, Firefighters Ash Davis, Toni Wooff Pepe, Josh Beagle, Dom Wood, Rik Duckworth & Tim Weller.    

Mike Sutcliffe, Station Manager, said:  

“As firefighters, we understand the commitment that comes with serving our communities. Taking part in this memorial stair climb is a chance to honour the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives in service to others, while also raising vital funds for charities that support firefighters and emergency service personnel today. We are incredibly proud to represent North Yorkshire as part of this international mission.”    

Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said:   

“This is a global challenge, honouring those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. We are proud to support it, and for our teams to take part and raise funds, alongside their peers from around the world. They will stand together, and climb together, remembering this tragic event 25 years ago.”    

Raising Funds for Three Emergency Service Charities  

The challenge will support three charities dedicated to helping emergency service personnel and their families:  

• The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund  

• The Fire Fighters Charity  

• The Blue Light Card Foundation  

Funds raised will help provide practical, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing support to those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.  

The team is now calling on residents, local businesses, community groups and organisations across North Yorkshire to support the mission.  

Every donation represents a message of gratitude and support for the emergency service community and helps ensure the legacy of the 343 firefighters is never forgotten.   

How to Support the North Yorkshire Team  

The team is encouraging local residents and businesses to make a donation via https://www.justgiving.com/page/northyorksfireclimb?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL  and share the campaign through social media and community networks as they prepare to take on the 110-floor challenge. The firefighters hope the people of North Yorkshire will stand alongside them in remembering the fallen and supporting those who continue to serve.  

Note to editors:  

Mike Sutcliffe has previously carried out an endurance stair climb challenge for charity; winning both the “Most Outstanding Fire Service Award” and the prestigious “Most Outstanding Overall Award” at the National Armed Forces and Emergency Services Event.  

Media Enquiries  

For interviews with participating firefighters and photography opportunities please contact media@northyorksfire.gov.uk 

Ahead of the September event the team are holding an event in York: 

The York Stair Climb Event Details 

Date: Saturday 1 August 2026 

Time: From 6.00pm 

Location: Clifford’s Tower, York 

The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service team, along with a number of supporting staff, will take part in a stair climb challenge at Clifford’s Tower. Participants aim to climb and descend the tower’s stairs 343 times, with each ascent representing one of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the Twin Towers attacks on 11 September 2001. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend and show their support.  

Photo of some of the team taking on the challenge with Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson in the centre.

ENDS