By Kyra Gillespie
Pakenham firefighter Chris Poulton is participating in the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) to raise awareness and funds for mental health issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide after having loved ones experience it.
This year the Firefighter’s Charity Fund aims to raise $500,000 for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues.
“This year I plan to raise more than what I have over the past few years, with a goal of $700. This is something really close to me having very close family and friends experience these issues.
“A friend of mine in the Australian Defence Force was injured overseas, and came back with PTSD. My wife also suffered post-natal depression, so I want to bring more awareness to these issues,” Chris said.
Starting from street level, Chris will climb all 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel wearing 25 kilograms of firefighting gear and breathing apparatus.
“The first year that I did the climb, I came 190th, and last year I came 159th. I’m hoping to beat my record by another two minutes this year.”
Chris is a firefighter and crew leader at the Pakenham CFA, and has been in the job for more than seven years and was on duty during the Black Saturday fires.
He’s worked with the Medical Rescue Team, alongside ambulance crews performing life-saving techniques.
However, Chris doesn’t seem at all concerned about the danger or pressure of the job.
“I’m a pretty solid, level-headed person. Things don’t tend to get to me,” he said.
“Thanks to our sponsors, 100 per cent of every dollar will go to mental health.”
To support Chris’ climb, visit the MFSC website and make a donation.
