Clevedon Mercury

Two North Somerset firefighters are joining colleagues from around the world for a charity event set up in memory of a hero of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

Crew manager Matt Osbourne, from Portishead, and watch manager Sean Spearing, from Weston, will run in the Tunnel to Towers race in Manhattan on Sunday, September 27.

The duo, who are both based at Southmead Fire Station, will stand out from other competitors in the five-kilometre race as they will be in full firefighting kit.

The event was set up in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

He had been off duty when he learned of the attack and, prevented from driving to the scene due to road blocks in place, he raced on foot from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with his kit on his back.

Former Gordano School pupil Matt, aged 29, said: "We are doing it to show our respect and join together with firefighters from New York and around the world.

"It isn't a great distance if you are running in trainers and sports kit but it is a different matter in full fire-fighting gear.

"I don't know exactly how much it all weighs but the boots alone are more than 2kg and you get hot and sweaty very quickly even just walking about in the kit."

In taking part in the event, which sees competitors following the same route Stephen took that day, Matt and Sean will be raising funds for two charities - The Fire Fighters Charity and Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP).

For GAFSIP, they are aiming to raise enough to help set up a radio communications network for the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, which currently relies on mobile phones to cover its 300 sq mile patch.

For The Fire Fighters Charity the duo will be raising funds to provide support and treatment for firefighters, many whom have been injured while helping others.

Sean said: "The events of 11 September, 2001, touched the lives of people all around the world.

"By taking part in this event, we will not only be paying tribute to the many firefighters who lost their lives trying to save others, but also raising much-needed funds for two charities close to our hearts."

To sponsor Sean and Matt, visit http://www.justgiving.com/tunnel2towers.

Related

• Firefighter Stephen Siller, Tunnel to Towers Run

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August 13, 2009