Rod Kinder of Wentworth Falls likes to help. Whether it's assisting at the local school or football club, or in his day job as station officer with Fire and Rescue NSW at Springwood.
Now he's turning his attention to an insidious terminal neurological problem - motor neurone disease - raising money in the Firies Climb for MND this Saturday November 9.
He will be one of 600 fully suited-up Australian and international firefighters (New Zealanders and Japanese firefighters have signed up) running up the 1504 steps of the 98 floor Sydney Tower Eye, complete with 20 kilos of gear on his back. Some 20 firies from the Blue Mountains are taking part.
"The reason I signed up for the climb is the challenge. Firefighting is a very physical job and it's important to maintain good fitness. The climb gives me motivation to push myself to a higher level and there's the added motivation knowing I'm raising funds for a very worthy cause."
He's been training for months on tracks near the Conservation Hut and also Katoomba's Giant Staircase and Furber stairs.
"Since signing up, many people have told me stories of friends or family who suffered from MND. It drives me to go harder."
Mr Kinder has already raised $1500. Since 2015 the climb has raised more than $2 million for MND research at Macquarie University.
He thanked Il Postinos Cafe and Terry White Chemist in Wentworth Falls for their support. Donations can be made to: www.firiesclimbformnd.org.au where you can search for an individual or team.
