When Stephan Venter from Aurora Active in Bowral heard a small group of local firies was taking on a challenge, he stepped up to offer support.

Four Highlands firefighters will be among NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service teams from across the state when they climb the 1504 steps of Sydney Tower on October 23.

Stephan and his team have been providing free personal training to the Southern Scalers team in the months prior to the physical feat that will be taken on by James Austin and Max Cottingham from NSW Fire and Rescue Bowral, Tess Brearley from RFS Wingello, Nick Sloan from RFS Mittagong and Jordan Jobson from RFS Regentsville.

Aurora Active trainer Tim Hughes said the training not only focused on increasing the team’s speed, but also endurance and strength.

“We’ve done a lot of cardio-specific work, and strengthening up their core and hips so while they will be able to run up the tower faster, they’ll also be stronger which will help prevent any injuries as well,” Tim said.

The firies have been fundraising for the climb, which raises money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and were pleased when Stephan offered his time, services and facility.

Aurora Active prides itself on being “not another gym”.

It welcomes people of all skills and experiences and designs programs for people of all levels of fitness.

Tim said the gym had a holistic approach to exercise and wellbeing.

“Stephan is a big believer in getting people faster and stronger, having programs in place to prevent injuries and getting people to move better,” he said. “That, in essence, is health.”

Currently, the team has exceeded its fundraising goal of one dollar for each step, and has received $2286 in donations. Team co-ordinator James Austin said the team would love to go above and beyond their target. “We’re hoping to get well over that, but regardless we’ll get a bit of exercise and raise funds for a great cause,” James said.

Donate at https://firefightersclimbformnd.everydayhero.com/au/the-southern-scalers