COLD Feet actor James Nesbitt is backing a fundraising effort to aid the recovery of a teenager who plunged ten metres off a wall.
The star is offering the chance to dine with him at The Ivy in London.
The night out is one of the exciting lots in an auction as part of “Noah Fest” for 18-year-old Noah Rees, from Peacehaven.
Noah, who was studying at Cardinal Newman School in Hove, was terribly injured when he fell backwards over a seafront rail in King’s Road, Brighton.
The young man, who had dreams of becoming a professional rugby player, broke his back and skull, causing serious brain damage, and was in a coma.
In the last three months he has been making a slow recovery, learning how to communicate and take his first steps again.
Now his family have organised Noah Fest to celebrate his progress with friends and family and also to raise money for his rehabilitation. “We want people to have lots of fun,” said Noah’s father David.
“That’s what Noah wants. He’s such a caring person and always wants to make sure people are having a good time.”
David said the festival will be similar to a sports day with games including touch rugby and “who can beat Noah’s shot-put record.”
“It will be a challenge,” said David.
“Noah was in the top ten after the English schools shot put competition, he managed to throw it about 14 metres.”
Other items up for auction on the day include a round of golf with Nesbitt and a set visit to Belfast for his new production of Bloodlands.
There will also be a pair of signed boxing gloves from Chris Eubank Junior and a range of tickets to Cirque du Soleil, Wilderness festival and two tickets to England vs Bulgaria Euro 2020 qualifier football.
Those who can’t make it can still bid by emailing noahfestauction@gmail.com by midnight on August 30.
There will also be a raffle with prizes including a seven-course meal for eight people at Etch restaurant in Hove.
Noah is now at a rehabilitation centre in Putney, London, but will be allowed to attend the day.
David said: “The minute that ambulance drops him off he’s just going to be bombarded.
“The amount of support he’s received really represents the decent person he is. I think we are expecting quite a few at the festival, and maybe some rugby stars.”
After Noah’s accident his family set up a website to update people on his recovery. The page has since accumulated more than 3,000 followers.
Noah Fest will be at Hove Rugby Club in Shirley Drive, Hove, on Saturday from noon to 7pm.
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