Emergency Service workers climb Manchester’s Beetham Tower in fundraiser

UK Pink Firefighters. Image credits: Jess McWilliams

Frontline workers across the UK climbed one of Manchester’s highest skyscrapers donning full firefighter gear to raise money for emergency workers.

On April 4, 58 emergency services workers, including firefighters and police officers, took part in the ‘Blue Light Stair Run Challenge’.

The event, led by the British Firefighter Challenge, gathered key workers from across the nation to tackle Beetham Tower’s 46 floors in a timed competition.

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Competitors can sign up as representatives of their service branch, or as a member of the public; wearing their own full protective kit for the first run, with most running a second time in personal sporting, or PT, kit.

John Gregory, organiser of the Blue Light Stair Run and member of the fire services, described the kit worn as: boots, leggings, tunic, fire gloves, fire helmet and a breathing apparatus set.

“All of that weight combined is anywhere between one and two stone,” he said. “Imagine putting someone on your back and carrying them upstairs, it’s tough.”

John Gregory explained that the event replicates a potentially real scenario, where they would have to manually take all the kit themselves to perform their duties.

He added: “It’s what we do, it’s what we train for, so the more people that can do it… the better.”

The male competitor in first place was David Harris, a public entry, with a time of five minutes and 38 seconds.

The female competitor in first place was Helena Brown, from Greater Manchester, with a time of six minutes and 51 seconds.

[embed]Blue Light Stair Run… Results! — Google My Maps A summary of the 2026 leaderboardwww.google.com

The Blue Light Card Foundation provides vital emotional and physical support for service workers across the UK through wellbeing and community programmes.

Those supported includes: first responders, NHS staff, volunteers such as those in Mountain Rescue and veterans.

The event also promoted the importance of connection through the emphasis of community and teamwork when facing challenges; which was felt throughout the day.

John Gregory also commented on the importance of giving all service workers the opportunity to challenge themselves to ‘give their max’.

He also explained how combined, events like these and support from the Blue Light Card Foundation can help get service workers who may be struggling ‘back on the run’ and in ‘mint condition’.

One competitor, Taz Maguire, explained how this challenge is a ‘realistic scenario’ when considering the unpredictable nature of a firefighter’s work.

Taz Maguire explained: “If anything it’s probably slightly less challenging, because we’ve not got a hose, we’ve not got other kit, it’s just a BA set and fire kit.”

He added: “You’ve really got to train hard for these.”

Completing the run in 10 minutes and 56 seconds, earning 40th place, Taz Maguire ran in support of the ‘Breast Cancer Now’ charity, where he has already raised more than £1000 himself.

Image credits: BuzzBear Design & Marketing

You can donate to the Blue Light Card Foundation here, or to find out how to get involved in 2027 visit here.

You can contact the Stair Run team on either [0772 558 5017](http://0772 558 5017) or Email at hello@bluelightstairrun.co.uk .