This was the moment that Jack Farrugia, who can't talk or eat, abseiled down Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth for charity
APPLAUSE rang out across Gunwharf Quays as a fundraising champion took on an abseil challenge to help a friend come home to his family.
Determined Jack Farrugia - who cannot eat, speak, or swallow due to a severe brain injury - was equipped with a harness and a special chair to make his descent down the Spinnaker Tower.
The 30-year-old, who uses a wheelchair following a tragic car accident, has been defying medical belief for more than a decade - and is now on a mission to raise funds for a man with a similar brain injury.
Josh Evans, also 30, suffered a brain injury due to a motocross accident.
While Jack received a payout after his injury, Josh did not, and so the Evans family do not have the money to house him at home permanently.
After being introduced to each other by mutual friend Barry Williams, the Farrugias lent them a van so Josh can be taken out, and Jack decided to take on the fundraising abseil to raise money for his friend.
Laurence Farrugia, Jack’s dad, kept his feet firmly on the ground while his son travelled to the top of the Spinnaker Tower.
He said: ‘We’re trying to help out where we can to raise a bit of money for him so he can get his house converted and come on home. At the moment he’s in a care home.
‘We know what he’s going through because we went through it ourselves.’
Barry took to the podium as he performed his Neil Diamond impression for the crowds, getting everyone to sing along with Jack’s favourite, Sweet Caroline.
Those watching Jack’s descent clapped and cheered their support.
Barry said: 'Jack is a bit crazy - it's so great what he's doing.’
Josh and his mum Maxine came to Gunwharf to cheer Jack on - and the pair met face to face for the very first time after Jack returned to the ground.
Watching from the base of the Spinnaker Tower, Maxine said: 'It's a bit of an emotional day.
'This means the world to us, it's so kind of Jack.
'The money raised means everything - it would mean he could get back to his family home more.'
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/muwx9-help-for-josh.