A firefighter from Crickhowell will travel to New York this week as he prepares to complete an iconic challenge to raise funds and honour those who lost their lives in the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11 2001.

Tommy Hatton, Crew Manager at Crickhowell Fire Station, will be participating in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk on Sunday September 27 in full fire kit. The annual event honours the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), law enforcement officers and thousands of civilians who lost their lives as a result of the September 11 attacks.

Tens of thousands of runners, walkers, first reporters and veterans retrace the final journey of Stephen Siller, who has just finished his shift when news broke that a plane had struck the World Trade Centre.

Siller drove to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, only to find it closed for security reasons. Determined to help, he strapped more than 60lbs of firefighting equipment to has back and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he ultimately gave his life while helping others.

I'm taking part in this year's Tunnel to Towers 5K in full fire kit to remember all those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks and to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity,” Tommy said.

“The charity is particularly important to me because I have personally benefited from its support and programmes following an injury. The help I received made a real difference, so this is an opportunity to give something back while honouring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“It's also especially poignant to take part this year as it marks 25 years since the events of 9/11."

Tommy is raising funds through his JustGiving page, with all proceeds supporting the Fire Fighters Charity's vital work. He will complete the 5K route wearing full firefighting kit in memory of those who died on 9/11 while also raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong support to serving and retired members of the UK fire and rescue community.

The event is limited to 30,000 participants and draws first responders from around the world with other runners and supporters. It takes place on the last Sunday of September every year and is in its 25th year. The day also serves as a tribute to those still affected by 9/11 related illnesses, and the more than 7,000 service members who have their lives in the Global War on Terror.

For the last quarter of a century the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honoured the legacy of Stephen Siller and the 342 other FDNY members who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks. Through its various programmes, the Foundation supports injured veterans, first responders and their families, helping to ensure that the sacrifices made by service personnel are never forgotten.