Emergency Services Unite in Southampton For 9/11 Memorial Climb Bringing Atlanta Tradition to the UK
More than 130 emergency service personnel from across the UK came together in St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton on 11th July to take part in the Southampton Memorial Stair Climb, to honour the 2,977 people who lost their lives on 11th September 2001, among them 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 8 paramedics who ran toward danger without hesitation.
Participants from 28 fire and rescue services, representing more than half of the UK’s services, completed multiple laps of 2,400 stair steps each, wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) in tribute to those who gave their lives. The event also welcomed police officers and paramedics, reflecting the multi-agency spirit of the occasion. Memorial Stair Climb has plans to grow and expand the event year on year.
Charity the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) supported the event, providing practical welfare assistance to participants throughout the day, handing out around 600 chilled water bottles to keep those taking part hydrated.
"To stand alongside so many dedicated emergency service personnel as they climbed in full PPE, carrying the weight of that remembrance with every step, was truly humbling. The Southampton Memorial Stair Climb is a powerful way to honour those who gave everything on 9/11, and it was our privilege to play a small part in supporting the people who took part. We hope this becomes a lasting tradition that continues to grow year on year."
Euan Lancaster
RRT Local Team Leader
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is a global network of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. With over a decade of experience supporting emergency services, charities and community organisations across the UK, the charity is dedicated to putting compassion into action, showing up wherever they are needed, whether at live incidents or events that bring emergency responders together.
