A DAD with a fear of heights will be abseiling 178 foot down a historic bridge in aid of the charity that has supported his little girl’s brain tumour battle.

Rob Spong, 40, will abseil from Newport’s transporter bridge to raise money for the Noah’s Ark charity.

The charity have helped the family after five-year old Lacey-Mae was diagnosed with a benign pilocytic astrocytoma in 2016.

The Holton primary pupil is still undergoing chemotherapy but the tumour has shrunk thanks to the care and treatment she has received at the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Lacey-Mae was diagnosed with the tumour July last year after complaining of feeling unwell since the beginning of that year.

Mr Spong will take the 278 steps up the bridge and complete a 178 foot abseil back down on Sunday, October 8.

Mr Spong, of St Mary’s Avenue, in Barry, said his partner Lacey-Mae’s mother, Donna McClelland, 35, had forbidden him attempting to climb Mount Everest.

He said: “My original idea was to climb Everest. Donna said ‘No you’re not’.

"Then this event came up.

"I’m not particularly good with heights. I haven’t seen the bridge, but I’m more worried if it’s going to be windy.”

Mr Spong said the family wanted to support the hospital’s charity.

He said: “From day one they were by our side, along with many other departments and organisations, supporting Lacey, and us, down the long road ahead.

“They helped Lacey feel safe and secure by trying to make her stay almost like being at home.

“They arranged play dates either in her room or when she was stronger in the play rooms around the wards.

“They helped through the many hard, painful physio sessions with distraction and reward techniques.

“They would come and sit with Lacey if we needed to speak to the many consultants, surgeons and doctors or if me and mum just needed five minutes.”

In order to carry our his charity feat, Mr Spong needs to raise a minimum of £200.

To donate to the cause visit Mr Spong's fundraising page justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-spong