HASLEMERE Athena networking group members are abseiling 90 metres down the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth to help Theo (pictured), who has been diagnosed with West Syndrome, a form of epilepsy, and also has global development delay and severe learning difficulties.

Since December, the five year old from Winchester, has been taking part in a specially devised therapy programme to develop his knowledge, understanding and communication.

The programme has also enabled Theo to improve his balance and to have more functional use of his hands.

The group hope to raise £3,500 so that Theo can continue to take part in a therapy programme provided by the children’s charity Brainwave.

Rachel Maunder, regional director of the North East Hampshire and Surrey Borders Athena Network, said: “I run a number of networking groups and one of my members who works for the charity Brainwave challenged us to do something ‘outside the box’ to raise money for the charity.

She added: I came up with the idea of abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, in Portsmouth, and invited members of the Athena network to join me.

“Nine of us have signed up for the challenge, which we hope will raise enough money to enable Theo to attend Brainwave for another year.

“We are a quarter of the way towards reaching our target and already this money is being put to good use.

“The money we have so far raised means that Theo can return to Brainwave in June for a further assessment.

“We understand this visit also happens to be his birthday and so it would be simply amazing to be able to present the family with the guarantee of a year’s therapy.”

• Anybody who would like to contribute towards Theo’s care at Brainwave can find out more by going to www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ – search for ‘athenanet worknehants’.