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Tunbridge Wells: Brave youngster abseils down Salomons Estate wall

A Tunbridge Wells youngster with an incurable brain tumour has ticked off another challenge on his personal bucket list after abseiling down a tower.

Seven-year-old Malachi Tyler, from High Brooms, suffers from the genetic condition neurofibromatosis, which causes tumours to grow on his nerves and has rendered him blind since the age of two.

He was born with the tumour and underwent 18 months of chemotherapy before having 12 different brain operations which left him suffering from epilepsy.

Malachi Tyler has an incurable brain tumour
Malachi Tyler has an incurable brain tumour

On Monday the brave youngster achieved his ambition to scamper across the walls of a building like his hero, Spiderman, when he abseiled down the 100ft tall water tower at Salomons Estate.

It followed other successful challenges including being a train driver, which saw him take the controls of a South West Trains simulator, and becoming a policeman for the day when he joined a Metropolitan Police passing out parade and ‘arrested’ a Chief Inspector.

Malachi's mum, Emma, said: "Both my husband Graham and I feel very blessed to have such fantastic children, all of them are very special.

He abseiled down a building in Tunbridge Wells
He abseiled down a building in Tunbridge Wells

"Malachi was registered completely blind in both eyes in 2010. He went on to develop hydrocephalaus and had to have a VP shunt fitted in 2013. The brain operations were a result of his shunt malfunctioning and blocking.

"He is now on medication to control his epilepsy. But his tumour started to grow and spread into the septum of his brain and also into the chasm and it looked like he was going to need more chemo.

"We waited for news from the oncologist and while we waited we explained the situation to Malachi. So he had something to look forward to we came up with the idea of a bucket list to keep him motivated and happy. He told us 22 things he wanted to do in his life so we got to work trying to fulfill his dreams.

"We have been so blessed to have so many people come forward who have offered to help with all sorts of things."

Dressed in full Spiderman outfit, Malachi was accompanied on his spidey-like descent by experienced abseiler, Brian Bissell, who organised the adventure.

Mr Bissell, whose previous experience includes becoming the first man to abseil down the former Opera House in Tunbridge Wells town centre, said: “When I became aware of Malachi’s wish to be just like Spiderman I knew I had to help.

“We have had a tremendous amount of support locally, including the staff at the Evolution Indoor Climbing in Crowborough who donated their time to giving Malachi his all-important training ahead of his big day.

“Smiffys in Tunbridge Wells has donated Malachi’s Spiderman outfit, while the town’s branch of Maplins has donated camera equipment to record the event for posterity.”

Speaking after the abseil Mrs Tyler added: "I am so proud of him and all he has achieved in his little life, his life might be full of what ifs and the unknown but we thank God as committed Christians for the people around us which are making his life so colourful in what would have been a very dark time.

"Malachi may not be able to see with vision but he sees so much more of this world in a very special way, he's my inspiration he keeps us grounded and able to live life to the full.

"We have just found out from his last scan that the Tumour has now enhanced so we need to see what the next steps are for him."

Andrew Daniells, operations manager at Salomons, who has recently spent £100,000 on a six-month restoration of the Grade II listed water tower, said Malachi’s bravery had inspired the staff there.

He added: "It was humbling to watch someone who has already had to overcome so many obstacles in his short life take on a challenge that would have been too much for many other people.

“We are so pleased to have been able to help make one of Malachi’s dreams come true.”

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