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A 15-year-old has braved a 700-metre zip wire to raise money for charity in memory of his best friend.

Finlay Williams, from Cwmcarn, wanted to raise money for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation after his friend Dominic passed away in January last year, aged 12.

After seeing Dominic being “more brave than I can ever imagine to be,” Finlay wanted to pay tribute by doing something brave too.

So after months of delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, Finlay completed his zip wire challenge at Chepstow’s National Diving and Activity Centre on September 4 – raising more than £600 for charity.

To make the challenge even tougher, Finlay completed it while holding a cup of tea.

He said: “Dom loved his cup of tea, much to the amusement of all of his friends so it seemed right that I should raise a cup to him while I was on the wire.

“I was a bit nervous beforehand, but I really enjoyed the experience and I think Dom would have found the whole thing funny.”

After the challenge, Finlay’s mum Gemma said: “Dominic was such a lovely friend to have in Finlay’s circle and he was such a character. From when he was a little boy, I remember him being the most enthusiastic during school assemblies and concerts, making all the audience smile. 

“Although we knew Dominic had a liver condition, he always seemed well and happy, so losing him last year when he was just 12 and Finlay was 13, was a tremendous shock to all of us who knew him.

“We’re so pleased that Finlay has finally been able to do something special in his memory and delighted that he can make such a donation to a charity which was important to Dominic’s family.”  

Dominic’s mum, Jodie, said: “Knowing that Dominic had amazing friends like this warms our hearts – it’s wonderful to think he had the support and friendship he deserved.

“Finlay is a brave young man, and we are so proud that Dominic had him as a best friend, growing up. We couldn’t have asked for a better tribute to Dominic.

“Finlay has done him so proud, and he would definitely be raising a cup of tea back.

“Thank you to Finlay and his family for raising money for an amazing cause close to our hearts, one which we shall never forget.”

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, said: “We support young people and families affected by liver disease throughout the UK and it is always heartbreaking when a child dies.

“It’s incredibly touching that Finlay has done this for us in Dominic’s memory – what a unique and wonderful tribute to his friend.

“The funds raised will support other young people like Dominic and we are truly grateful for his efforts.”

To make a donation to Finlay’s fundraiser, visit his JustGiving page.