WHEN volunteer firefighter Jordan Knight from Hereford takes the stairs – a gruelling charity climb on the other side of the world – he will be cheered on by relatives back here in his hometown.
Though Jordan joined his parents to live the dream in Australia four years ago, the 22-year-old, who grew up in Tupsley, has not forgotten his roots. When he takes part in a charity fundraiser in Melbourne later this summer, he hopes friends and family at home will support him.
Leading the cheer in Hereford will be his grandparents, Brian and Villia. Later this year, their grandson plans to pay a visit home where he hopes to visit Hereford and Worcester fire stations.
Last year Jordan took third place in the Melbourne Firefighters’ Stair Climb, a test of stamina carrying 25kg of turnout gear and breathing apparatus up 28 floors of the iconic Crown Metropol. This year the former pupil at St Paul’s Primary and Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat schools, who also studied at Hereford Sixth Form College, is looking to improve his chances.
“I will be looking to take the spot this time round,” he says.
After his parents moved down under with Jordan’s two younger brothers for a change of lifestyle, he decided to follow suit.
“My parents are the ones I have to thank for the opportunities that have become available since the move,” says Jordan.
He works in a communications role for the Emergency Services, and is a volunteer firefighter. He hopes eventually to become a full-time firefighter.
“I’ve taken part in many life changing experiences that I certainly would never of been able to be a part of,” he says. “For the last two years I have been an active volunteer firefighter in my local community of Berwick, about 60 km south of Melbourne.”
This year’s Stair Climb will be raising money for cancer research and treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
“I am asking for the support of my hometown in reaching my goal of $343.” He says. “This number represents $1 for every firefighter who lost their life during 9/11.”
Jordan has competed in a range of events representing the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
“Next year I'll be heading to Queensland to compete in the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games in a range of disciplines.”
Donations can be made via the following link for the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb 2015 https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/jordanknight/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here