9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Planning Team
Scott Hewson
Board Member (Chair)
Scott “Scotty” Hewson is a husband, father, veteran, and dedicated firefighter with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, where he has proudly served for over 15 years. Before joining the fire service, he spent 12 years in Army Aviation, travelling the world and building a lifelong commitment to public service and adventure.
Driven by passion, energy, and a deep respect for the global firefighting community, Scotty’s journey took a powerful turn in 2015 when he joined the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Georgia, USA an event hosted by the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. That experience sparked lasting international friendships and a renewed dedication to honouring the fallen heroes of 9/11.
In 2023, Scotty returned to the memorial climb this time with his entire watch of 15 firefighters. Together, they joined hundreds of others at the Atlanta Braves stadium in a moving display of unity, remembrance, and solidarity. That moment inspired a bold vision: to lead 343 UK firefighters in the 25th anniversary stair climb in September 2026, paying tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11, as well as the fallen of the UK fire service.
From that vision, United 911Climb was born a movement grounded in the values of international brotherhood and sisterhood, shared sacrifice, and unwavering respect among first responders. With an unshakeable belief in the power of unity, Scotty continues to bring people together across borders, forging new history while honouring those who gave everything.
Join him in climbing 110 floors, in full fire kit, shoulder to shoulder with our American brothers and sisters.
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Board Member (Accommodation and transport manager)
Hi, I’m Liv! I’ve been working in aviation for six years, with experience across military, private jets, air ambulance, and now commercial aviation. I’m currently a Flight Operations Controller for TUI Airways, where I help manage the day-to-day flying operations for the five Group airl
Board Member (Accommodation and transport manager)
Hi, I’m Liv! I’ve been working in aviation for six years, with experience across military, private jets, air ambulance, and now commercial aviation. I’m currently a Flight Operations Controller for TUI Airways, where I help manage the day-to-day flying operations for the five Group airlines, alongside an incredible team in our Airline Operations control room.
Since meeting my partner Barnaby, I’ve been lucky enough to attend all of his firefighter challenges and events. From Liverpool to Portsmouth to Cardiff. Meeting so many inspiring men and women along the way has made me incredibly proud to cheer you all on.
When Scott approached me for some guidance, I knew this was something special. I wanted to give back to the amazing firefighters who keep us safe every single day, and I absolutely promise to help make this the trip of a lifetime and I will be cheering every single one of you on from the sidelines in the stadium.
I’ve taken on the role of Transport and HOTAC Manager, which means I’ll be handling flights, hotels, visas, transport, and part of the sponsorships. So if you need anything related to travel or accommodation, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Barnaby Long
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Operations and Communications Director
Hi, I'm Barnaby, a firefighter with Capita Fire and Rescue (CFR), currently based at Wattisham Flying Station. My journey in the fire service began five years ago as an on-call firefighter with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Since then, I’ve transitioned into aviation firefighting—a path I’ve truly
Operations and Communications Director
Hi, I'm Barnaby, a firefighter with Capita Fire and Rescue (CFR), currently based at Wattisham Flying Station. My journey in the fire service began five years ago as an on-call firefighter with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Since then, I’ve transitioned into aviation firefighting—a path I’ve truly loved every step of the way.
In 2024, I took part in my first firefighter challenge season, and from that moment on, I’ve been driven to push myself harder and aim higher. It’s been an incredible experience of growth, both physically and mentally.
Now, I’m deeply honored and excited to be working alongside Scott to help bring his dream to life. Representing UK fire services in this memorial climb, marking the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, is a privilege I hold with immense pride.
Pete Wakefield
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Host – The Firefighters Podcast
Pete Wakefield is the creator and host of The Firefighters Podcast, a leading platform sharing the voices, experiences, and lessons of frontline responders, military personnel, industry experts, and operational leaders. Since launching in 2019, the show has released over 400 episodes, reached 900,000+ lis
Host – The Firefighters Podcast
Pete Wakefield is the creator and host of The Firefighters Podcast, a leading platform sharing the voices, experiences, and lessons of frontline responders, military personnel, industry experts, and operational leaders. Since launching in 2019, the show has released over 400 episodes, reached 900,000+ listeners globally, and continues to grow as a legacy resource for the fire and rescue community.
With over 18 years of operational service in the UK Fire & Rescue Service now as a Watch Commander, Pete has also been a proud member of the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team. He is an experienced instructor across multiple disciplines including fire behaviour, tactical ventilation, and road traffic collision, helping to develop the next generation of firefighters both in the UK and beyond.
Pete leads The UK PINK Firefighters a group focussed on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in their signature PINK, MSA, HAIX & GORE-TEX fore kit. Pete is a passionate, dedicated athlete having won multiple gold medals at competitions around the world and in uk including the British and Welsh firefighter challenges. Pete is an experienced speaker and history now hosting all UK firefighters challenges and also the BLUE LIGHT SHOW in London in 2025
He’s been featured on SAS: Who Dares Wins, demonstrating his mental resilience and physical capability under pressure.
From incident debriefs examining firefighter fatalities to interviews with global thought leaders, Pete’s mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and support those who serve building a resource that endures for generations to come with the firefighters podcast and having a truly unique career along the way.
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Event Manager
I hold a background in Criminal Justice, Legislation, and Intelligence. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I commenced work as a researcher for Hampshire constabulary; however, I found myself seeking an active and adventurous role.
In 2021, I joined the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am c
Event Manager
I hold a background in Criminal Justice, Legislation, and Intelligence. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I commenced work as a researcher for Hampshire constabulary; however, I found myself seeking an active and adventurous role.
In 2021, I joined the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am currently based at Cosham Red Watch. While on maternity leave in 2024, I joined Scott and the rest of the Cosham Red Watch team to participate in the memorial stair climb in Atlanta — an incredibly meaningful experience that I felt privileged to be part of.
I look forward to an even more impactful event next year.
Lucy Macleod
Elizabeth Grey
Lucy Macleod
Sponsor Lead
With over 17 years in the UK Fire & Rescue Service, Lucy has built her career on commitment to her crews, to professional standards, and to the communities she serves. As a woman in senior fire leadership, she understands both the responsibility and the opportunity that comes with wearing the uniform. Representation matters.
Sponsor Lead
With over 17 years in the UK Fire & Rescue Service, Lucy has built her career on commitment to her crews, to professional standards, and to the communities she serves. As a woman in senior fire leadership, she understands both the responsibility and the opportunity that comes with wearing the uniform. Representation matters. Standards matter. Legacy matters.
A specialist in complex rescue, Lucy is focused on advancing safe and effective operational practice. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue and works across operational, academic and policy settings to help shape improved occupational standards within the fire sector. Through collaborative research initiatives, including the development of inclusive datasets to support diversity and progression, she actively contributes to strengthening the future of the service. She also serves as a professional debriefer, supporting firefighters after critical incidents ensuring operational performance and human welfare remain inseparable.
Lucy remembers exactly where she was when the second plane struck the Twin Towers. Like many in public service, that moment was not just history, it was personal. It reinforced why firefighters step forward when others step back.
For Lucy, taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is both a privilege and a responsibility. As Sponsorship Lead, she is committed to building partnerships that honour the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives, while strengthening international bonds and remembering fallen firefighters here in the UK.
Climbing alongside her in Southampton will be Blue her trauma and wellbeing dog, and the star of her children’s books. Blue represents the other side of service: compassion, recovery and resilience. Together, they hope to complete all 110 floors, carrying a message that strength in the fire service is not only physical, it is emotional, collective and enduring.
Whether studying to improve operational outcomes, resolving incidents on the ground, mentoring future leaders, or writing stories that help children understand courage and wellbeing, Lucy believes these worlds are not separate. Service, training, research, representation and community are interwoven. The fire service is unique, built on trust, sacrifice and unity and she is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with those climbing in remembrance, respect and solidarity.