Creeker Shaun Stephens-Whale will have some company Feb. 19 when he steps up to the Climb the Wall challenge in Vancouver.
For the past several years, Shaun has been one of the leading champions for the Climb the Wall: The Stairclimb for Clean Air, a fundraiser for the B.C. Lung Association.
Coast Reporter has learned that several Coast firefighters will also take the challenge.
A team of four from the Gibsons department (Roland Strong, Randy Landsburg, Dave Atlee and Colin Schenk) will compete alongside firefighter Dave Yard from the Sechelt department.
"I put the team together and the fire hall is sponsoring us," said Strong. "It's a great cause. We talked with Shaun and he encouraged us to take part."
But the firefighters won't be going up the stairs in shorts and T-shirts.
"We're going up as if it was a fire call. Oxygen tanks, turn-out gear, boots - the works," Strong said. "There are departments from all over B.C. and the Lower Mainland competing in a separate firefighter challenge. We've been training pretty hard."
Strong added that even though they will be in a competition against other departments, the ultimate goal is competing for the charity.
"It's a wonderful cause and we're happy to help out and lend our support," he said.
Sechelt fire chief Bill Higgs said he's put a friendly wager on the line with a colleague in Hope.
"Dave's been preparing and we wish him all the luck and support," Higgs said. "There's a little money on the line between us and the guys in Hope. It's a good cause and it's good to see the involvement from the firefighters."
For Shaun, there will be an additional storyline to the fifth annual stairclimb. He'll be seeking to reclaim the status as "fastest stairclimber" of the event, a billing he missed by just seconds at last year's event. (Pim de Jong of Vancouver was last year's top finisher, with a time of four minutes and 29 seconds.)
The climb takes place at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, the highest point in downtown Vancouver and a prominent landmark for local architecture enthusiasts. People can sponsor Shaun's 48-storey ascent by visiting www.stairclimb.com.
Aspiring stairclimbers are encouraged to sign up for the event as soon as possible by visiting the B.C. Lung Association's website or calling 1-604-731-5864.
"It's a great challenge and a fun-filled morning for everyone involved," says Sarah teHennepe, special events coordinator with the B.C. Lung Association. "We're excited to have stairclimbers from across the Lower Mainland, from Vancouver Island and from the B.C. Heartland, many of whom have a personal connection to the ongoing fight against lung disease, including specific ailments like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). These stairclimbers really are critical to our success. Every one of them makes a difference, giving our lung health mission an extra push."
