Finlay’s high-flying tea-time tribute to his friend

When 15-year-old Finlay Williams lost his best friend Dominic in January last year after being ‘more brave than I can ever imagine to be,’ he decided that the only way to pay a proper tribute to him was to do something very brave too.

So, on Saturday (September 4) after many months of delay due to lockdown, Finlay, who lives in Cwmcarn, braved the 700m zip wire at Chepstow’s National Diving and Activity Centre, raising an amazing £624 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) in memory of his friend.

Finlay took a cup of tea on the zip wire as a tribute to his friend.

And as a special tribute, Finlay completed the experience whilst holding on to a cup of tea! “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,” says Finlay. “I was a bit nervous beforehand, but I really enjoyed the experience and I think Dom would have found the whole thing funny.”

He managed not to spill a drop!

Finlay’s mum Gemma is proud of his achievement: “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. And 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 added: “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.”

Finlay and Dominic

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “We support young people and families affected by liver disease throughout the only UK and it is always heart breaking 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.”

You can still support Finlay’s zip wire challenge by going to Gemma Clark is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)