On Sunday, October 4, a group of NSW firefighters will ascend Sydney Tower Eye in full structural fire-fighting ensemble to raise money and awareness for MND.

More than $100,000 has already been raised by the Fire and Rescue NSW team for the inaugural Firefighters Climb for Motor Neurone Disease.

Teams of firefighters will race to climb all 1504 stairs (98 floors), each carrying an additional 20 kilograms of gear. 

The gruelling challenge is the brainchild of former Kiama Downs resident and now Sydney firefighter Matt Pridham.

This follows his long-time best friend Adam Regal's MND diagnosis. 

Former Kiama Downs resident Mr Regal, now living in Flinders, learned he had developed the disease in December 2013.

The 32-year-old father of two had already lost two members of his immediate family to MND.

Mr Pridham, 32, said he was also inspired to establish the event after meeting Dominic Rowe, a professor of Neurology at Macquarie University. 

Mr Pridham described Professor Rowe as a “phenomenal guy… we have to support him”.

Therefore, every dollar raised will directly support the efforts of the Macquarie University’s MND Research Centre.

“Adam was firm that none of it go to marketing or patient care, but that it all goes into research for a cure,” Mr Pridham said.

“It’s amazing how much we’ve raised already.”

Mr Pridham said a number of Illawarra firefighters would be taking part in the event. 

Mr Regal praised his friend’s hard work in organising the fundraiser. 

“We didn’t think we’d get the response that has been shown,” he said.

“He’s shown what mates can do whenever other mates are in trouble.”

For more information or to donate, visit the www.facebook.com/firiesmnd website.