This morning, on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks where 2977 people lost their lives, 30 firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue Service honoured their memory.

Earlier today, Avon Fire and Rescue Team climbed 110 floors in full firefighting kit just as the first responders did in New York, on September 11 2001.

Almost 3000 innocent people lost their lives when terrorists hijacked four flights with the intention of crashing them into four separate American buildings.

American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. A third plane hit the Pentagon and a fourth was crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after brave crew and passengers fought back against the hijackers.

9/11 saw 343 New York City firefighters along with 1 New York Fire Patrol firefighter, 23 New York City police and 37 Port Authority officers lose their lives as the towers collapsed.

To mark the anniversary of that tragic day, the Avon Fire and Rescue team started their climb at Bristol City Football Club’s Ashton Gate stadium at 8:46am this morning, the time the first hijacked aircraft hit the North Tower and finished a 102 minutes later at 10:28am - the time the second tower collapsed on 9/11.

So far they have raised over £3600 with all money going to support The Firefighters Charity, who are at the forefront of assisting and improving UK firefighters’ mental, physical and social wellbeing.

The courageous team used a dedicated stairwell at the stadium and walked it 28 times over the 102 minutes.

The extra weight of the kit combined with a BA set is approximately 25kg, and each firefighter carried the full set throughout the climb.

The challenge was organised by selfless fundraiser and Firefighter Rich Wheeler, who so far this year has raised over £7500 for Prostate Cancer by running in full kit over 282 miles.

Please click here to donate and sponsor this fantastic event that will support the needs of our firefighting heroes.