Fundraising is taken to new heights for Charlie

A HESSLE man was hoisted 96ft up a yacht mast to raise money for a little boy who was diagnosed with cancer.

David Street spent an hour at the top of the 96ft CatZero mast at Hull Marina, raising about £540 for the Charlie Hook Appeal.

Charlie, 6, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, on his fifth birthday.

He underwent successful treatment in Leeds but still faces an 80 per cent chance of relapse. His family launched the £300,000 appeal to take him for treatment in the US if this happens.

David, 36, said he was touched by Charlie's courage and wanted to do something different to help.

He said: "It was interesting.

"The weather was fine while I was up there.

"The wind picked up a bit but the rain stayed away.

"I really enjoyed it and it was great to do something different.

"I hope it will inspire people to do something for any charity and think outside the box a bit because it was great fun."

David admits he does not have a head for heights.

But he conquered his fears to reach the top of the mast during rush-hour traffic.

He initially wanted to spend 24 hours at 96ft but officials said engineers only spend an hour up there due to the strain it can cause the body.

David said he was given advice and safety tips before he started his challenge.

"I was told the importance of moving my feet and wiggling my toes while I was up there because you could lose circulation," he said.

"I could see the Humber Bridge and over the top of the buildings.

"It's important to keep any appeal in the limelight. It's also important to keep the situation in the limelight so if Charlie does need that money, it's there."

David said the challenge was demanding.

"It wasn't the most comfortable from a psychological point of view, or from a physical point of view," he said.

"I would be more than happy to do something for the Charlie Hook Appeal again. But would I do that again? Probably not."

Charlie, of west Hull, recently underwent further tests, which were clear, and he is due back at hospital in Leeds on October 30.

His mother, Nicola, 33, said she could not thank David enough.

She said: "My mum and dad went to show their support.

"It's so different and a real physical challenge.

"David thanked me for letting him do it, but I need to thank him.

"I'm unbelievably grateful for what he has done, because it was quite a challenge for him, as it would be for anybody.

"It was cold and wet but he has done Charlie very proud."

Almost £140,000 has been raised for the Charlie Hook Appeal so far.

Nicola said: "It has gone a little bit quiet.

"I expected it would happen because we have been doing it for over a year.

"No matter how big or small, anything that brings anything from a few pounds to £100 all adds up very quickly.

"We need to keep it going."

Charlie's father, Dan, 32, of west Hull, said he was overwhelmed by the support so far, including David's challenge.

He said: "It's amazing when anybody raises anything for the appeal.

"I suffer from vertigo, so I'm very impressed with the bravery of the man.

"The fact strangers can be so generous and thoughtful blows me away every time.

"Charlie is doing really well but it's essential we focus on the appeal as much as possible now.

"We are nowhere near the target and we have to get to that £300,000."