Biggleswade firefighter completes New York's 'emotional' Tunnel to Towers 5k in memory of 9/11 heroes

Crew commander Vincent Archer, 58, completed the run and walk along with Mark Burgess from Hertfordshire Training, and Lee Campbell, watch manager at Welwyn Garden City – with the team raising over £4,000 for charity.

Also taking on the challenge were Vincent's wife, Angela, his daughter Bethany and her fiance, Ben – who tackled the poignant route along with 35,000 participants.

Vincent said: "It was amazing. It was windy and rainy in New York because there had been the nor'easter storm, but the event was absolutely amazing.

"You would have thought – after 20 years of taking part - that I would have got used to it, but I still get very, very emotional."

The route runs from the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel to Lower Manhattan, honouring the final journey of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died at the World Trade Center in 2001.

Stephen had been off-duty playing golf, but upon hearing of the attack, ditched his car at the congested tunnel and ran to the towers in full firefighting gear to help.

Vincent, whom met Stephen's brother Frank, the race founder, said: "He is proud and amazed and how the race has evolved from 1,500 runners in the first year to now.

"He is determined to ensure his brother and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day are not forgotten."

Vincent has been a firefighter for 33 years and has taken part in the challenge since 2004 (bar the pandemic years).

Meanwhile, for Mark and Lee, it was their first time - and the trio took on the challenge in their firefighting kit.

Vincent said: "They found it tough, but they definitely enjoyed it. It's tough running in your gear but it's not as tough compared to what everybody went through on the day of 9/11.

"When you get through the tunnel, you get everyone cheering, all the support from the sidelines.

"There's banners of the fallen, from the firefighters, the police officers and the port authority."

Vincent, Mark and Lee were raising money for The Firefighters Charity, which helps to support the physical and mental health of firefighters and their families.

And Vincent himself had to rely on the charity back in 2000.

He said: "I had a serious accident in 2000 and got knocked off my motorbike. They basically got me back to work and nursed me back to full fitness.

"They have three facilities, one up north and two in the south."

Vincent would like to thank everybody who donated, to his pals Mark and Lee, and to his family for joining him.

"I was honoured and happy that they were there to witness the event, especially on the 25th anniversary," he concluded. "It's to honour all the firefighters around the world who save the lives of others."

Click here to donate to the fundraising page.