Crickhowell Fire Station Firefighter Tommy Hatton will complete the challenge in full fire kit to honour those lost on 9/11 and raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.
Tommy Hatton, a Crew Manager at Crickhowell Fire Station and a Firefighter at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s (MAWWFRS) Joint Fire Control Centre, will travel to New York City later this month to take part in the renowned Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, September 27th.
The annual event honours the 343 Firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), law enforcement officers and thousands of civilians who lost their lives as a result of the September 11 attacks.
Each year, tens of thousands of runners, walkers, first responders and veterans retrace the final journey of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller. Having just finished his shift when news broke that a plane had struck the World Trade Centre, Stephen drove to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, only to find it closed for security reasons. Determined to help, he strapped more than 60lbs of firefighting equipment to his back and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he ultimately gave his life while helping others.
Tommy will complete the 5K route wearing full firefighting kit in memory of those who died on 9/11 while also raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong support to serving and retired members of the UK fire and rescue community.
Speaking about the challenge, Crew Manager Tommy Hatton said:
"I'm taking part in this year's Tunnel to Towers 5K in full fire kit to remember all those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks and to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity."
The charity is particularly important to me because I have personally benefited from its support and programmes following an injury. The help I received made a real difference, so this is an opportunity to give something back while honouring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It's also especially poignant to take part this year as it marks 25 years since the events of 9/11."
Tommy is raising funds through his JustGiving page, with all proceeds supporting the Fire Fighters Charity's vital work.
For the past 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honoured the legacy of Stephen Siller and the 342 other FDNY members who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks. Through its various programmes, the Foundation supports injured veterans, first responders and their families, helping to ensure that the sacrifices made by service personnel are never forgotten.
