Fireys to complete massive trek across SEQ to raise awareness of the dangers on the job

Firefighters put their lives on the line each time they get a call out, they’re often exposed to harsh chemicals and dangerous environments leading many to suffer fateful consequences. Meet the fireys changing mindsets here.

Queensland Fire Department auxiliary firefighters Emma Richardson (L), Stephen McDermott and colleague Tanya Longhorne (R) will walk 370km across rugged parts of the state's south to raise money for firefighters battling cancer. Photo: Supplied

A passionate Queensland firefighter and two of his fellow colleagues will trek more than 300km to raise money for firefighters battling cancer.

As a frontline worker and first officer of Marburg Fire Station, Stephen ‘Macca’ McDermott knows all too well the dangerous environments firefighters face on a daily basis.

It’s a high-risk job which has the potential to expose fireys to toxic chemicals, leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Mr McDermott said The Great Trek would raise much needed funds for the Firefighters Cancer Foundation Australia, which provides support to fireys diagnosed with cancer and offers education sessions to brigades on the importance of minimising exposure to toxic chemicals.

“We wanted to do something bigger and better for a cause we’re really passionate about,” he said.

Starting in Blackbutt, Mr McDermott and his colleagues Emma Richardson and Tanya Longhorne will trek down to Killarney, stopping at rural fire brigades along the way.

Mr McDermott and his QFD colleagues will be stopping at various rural fire brigades along the way, providing education on the importance of wearing and maintaining PPE on the job.

The trio will provide education sessions to each brigade on the importance of using and maintaining PPE in the field.

“There’s still that mentality in a lot of rural fire brigade’s that you should wear a dirty uniform with pride, and some who still believe they don’t need to wear a mask on a job,” Mr McDermott said.

“Which is exactly the mindset we’re looking to change.”

While the trio will be physically challenged by the trek, they’ll also be challenged mentally by the long days.

“We’ll be trying our best to keep our spirits up, I’ve done ultra-marathons in the past and know how much your mindset can influence the outcome,” he said.

Queensland Fire Department auxiliary firefighters Emma Richardson (L), Stephen McDermott and colleague Tanya Longhorne (R) will walk 370km across rugged parts of the state's south to raise money for firefighters battling cancer. Photo: Supplied

The toughest park of the trek for the trio will be the last leg into Killarney, facing two very steep ascents.

“We won’t look pretty by the end, but we’ll get it done,” Mr McDermott said.

The six-day trek will begin on June 30 at Blackbutt Fire Station and finish up on July 5 in Killarney.

“I’ll very much be looking forward to a cool drink and a nice steak (at the end),” he said.

Having already raised more than $2000 in donations, Mr McDermott is hopeful to crack $10,000 for the FCFA.

“You’re donating to a great cause and all proceeds will go directly to the FCFA to help out firefighters battling cancer.”

Mr McDermott said he also thanked the Queensland Fire Department for its support.

To keep up to date with the trio’s adventure, head to The Great Trek page on Facebook.