Walberton estate agent’s set for high-flying drama

Richard Moores, who works at Sims Williams, in Maple Parade, Walberton, will be rappelling from the dizzying height of 557ft (170m) down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinaker Tower on Easter Sunday.

Richard, of West Park Lane, Goring, was inspired to take on the challenge after hearing of the youngster’s plight and how staff from the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, based in Chichester, were supporting his family.

The 46-year-old said: “He is such a wonderful little boy and you wouldn’t want any child to go what he is going through.”

He added: “I’ve got no fear of heights but a heck of a fear of gravity. I’ve done bungee jumps when I was a lot younger but nothing like this. People keep telling me, ‘Just don’t look down and you’ll be fine’.”

The boy’s tumour has been removed but he is still going through radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

Richard has been stunned by how much his idea has raised, smashing his target of £500 by more than £700 on his JustGiving page.

He has even managed to rope in support from veteran punk rock stars Splodgenessabounds, better known for their song Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps – which is the young lad’s favourite tune.

Father-of-two Richard added the band has even given the youngster a chance to help record part of their next album.

“My friend is so much braver than me, he comes in to see me at work with his infectious smile and is full of chat and tends to leave with a couple of chocolates tucked in his pocket – much to his mother’s annoyance,” he joked.

Diana Levantine chair-man of Snowdrop, said: “When somebody has been personally touched by the work we do to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through a difficult time, it makes their fundraising challenge extra special. As a small charity, we are so grateful to Richard for taking on such a big challenge as the Spinnaker Tower.”

To sponsor him, see www.justgiving.com/Richard-Moores1