Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, a Teignmouth firefighter will be joining a memorial challenge event in the US.

A total of 343 firefighters from the UK and Northern Ireland will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, in September this year, to honour the 343 of their US counterparts who lost their lives responding to the 2001 atrocity in New York.

On-call fireman Matt Hallett will be among a group representing the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

All participants will walk up flights of stairs amounting to 110 floors – the height of the World Trade Centre – carrying full firefighting kit.

Matt, an instructor at the firefighters’ training facility in Exeter, said: “This isn’t just about the physical effort, although it will be a tough challenge.

“It’s about remembrance, respect, and solidarity with the global fire service family, as we mark 25 years since that day changed our profession, and the world, forever.

“I’ve spent my career serving my community, training firefighters, and promoting safety, well-being, and resilience in one of the most demanding jobs there is.

“As a professional firefighter, this climb means a huge amount to me. It’s about honouring those who ran towards danger, supporting those who continue to do so today, and setting an example of service, commitment, and gratitude.”

Matt is fundraising via JustGiving https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-hallett to raise the cost of taking part in the event, and to donate to emergency service charities in the UK and the US.

He said: “Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep the memory of the 343 alive and directly supports those who serve on the front line today.

“If you’re able to give, please know that your support genuinely matters and will make a lasting difference.”

He has thanked all those who’ve supported him so far, especially Morgan Clark Loss Assessors for their ‘incredibly generous’ donation.