Simon has been selected as one of 343 firefighters from across the UK to travel to Atlanta, USA, in September 2026, to take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honouring the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
For Simon, a Watch Manager who rides the Fire Engine and leads his crew on the front line, this is the honour of a lifetime — something he would have applied for even if life looked very different for us right now.
Long before we ever needed them, Simon regularly raised money for The Firefighters Charity because he believed in the work they do for firefighters and their families.
Now, in a twist we never expected, they are helping us through my breast cancer diagnosis with counselling and emotional support. This isn't how we imagined our first year of marriage to go. And that has given this climb an even deeper meaning for him — and for us.
He will be completing the climb in full fire kit, and wearing a pink tutu for me. If I’m well enough next September, I hope to travel with him. If I can’t, he says the tutu will make sure I’m with him every step of the way… whether I’m cheering from the sidelines or from home.
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Why we’re fundraising
Although the event raises money for two incredible causes:
• The Firefighters Charity
• The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund
the travel and accommodation costs aren’t covered, and it will cost around £1,600 for Simon to take part.
A quick note about donations: Our goal is to raise the money needed to get Simon to Atlanta so he can take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. If we are fortunate enough to raise more than our travel costs, then — if I’m well enough to travel — any extra will go towards getting me out there to support him. If my health means I can’t travel, we will donate all excess funds directly to Breast Cancer Now.
Under normal circumstances, we would try to fund this ourselves. But with my long-term sickness, and my occupational sick pay dropping to 50%, our household income is taking a major hit. We’re focusing on my treatment and recovery, and we would struggle to spare the extra money to get Simon to Atlanta.
We want to be completely transparent:
This GoFundMe is ONLY to help with Simon’s travel and participation costs.
All charity donations will be collected through a separate official fundraising page, which we’ll share as soon as it’s live.
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Why this means so much to us:
This climb represents courage, remembrance, and the strength of the fire family. For Simon, it’s a chance to honour the fallen, stand with firefighters from around the world, and give back to a charity that is now standing by us during one of the hardest periods of our lives.
For me, it’s a symbol of hope. A reminder that even in the middle of cancer treatment, life can still contain moments of purpose, connection, and love. And whether I make it out to Atlanta or not, I’ll be going up those stairs with him — in the form of a pink tutu!
If you can help us get Simon there, we would be truly grateful. And if you can’t donate, sharing the page means just as much.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for supporting Simon, supporting these vital charities, and supporting our family through this journey.