It will be a moment of immense pride but also deep sadness as Lachlan Gilchrist reaches the 60th floor of Sydney Eye Tower on November 9.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service operational officer, based at Yass Fire Control Centre, is one of the firefighters climbing the iconic building's 98 floors wearing more than 20 kilograms of firefighting gear.
The climb will raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) research and the 60th floor has been dedicated to Lachlan's father, Anthony Gilchrist.
Mr Gilchrist sadly passed away aged 60 from MND.
Lachlan, his mum and four brothers wished it was anything but when they received the diagnosis.
"It's one of those illnesses where there's no hope. They can't say we will give you this treatment or medicine because they still don't understand what causes it," Lachlan said.
"I'm hoping this climb will give people hope."
It was a long journey to Mr Gilchrist's diagnosis, sparked after he lost his voice during a performance.
"Dad was a solicitor and amateur radio enthusiast, but his big passion was singing and community theatre. Tragically, his voice was the first thing to go," Lachlan said.
"Then the muscle definition went from Dad's hands, that's when we started thinking something was seriously wrong."
Mr Gilchrist soon stopped being able to breathe independently and died just nine months after the diagnosis.
Lachlan was becoming a father to his now five-year-old son at the same time as he was losing his.
"MND is a cruel disease. You mourn a thousand deaths because you get the diagnosis and then each day you lose a part of that person," Lachlan said.
Last year, Lachlan's friend asked to carry a photo of Mr Gilchrist when he took part in the Firies Climb for MND.
Lachlan was inspired and decided to put his money where his mouth is this year instead of donating to the initiative.
He has been exercising every day and won't stop for anything.
"Twelve months on and I'm 72 kilograms lighter," he said.
"Getting my health in check has also been a big motivator. I used to row and play rugby but a lot of weight piled on when Dad passed away."
Lachlan is nervous about making all 98 floors but determined to reach the 60th where a plaque, photograph and message honouring Mr Gilchrist will be waiting.
His wife and son, mum and bothers will be his biggest supporters on the day but he needs the support of his friends and the community in the meantime.
Lachlan is asking for a dollar for every step, of which there are 1504. All donations go to Macquarie University, which is home to Australia's largest MND research facility.
"I would love for families to have hope when they get that diagnosis," Lachlan said.
"If we can find a cause we can treat it."
To donate, visit: https://fundraise.firiesclimbformnd.org.au/page/LachlanGilchrist
To follow Lachlan's journey, visit: https://www.facebook.com/LachlanClimbsforMND/
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