A NINE-YEAR_OLD boy with autism took the plunge to raise funds for a charity which has provided support for him and his family.

Ben Moss underwent a training session at Blue Plant Aquarium before diving down to two-metres in a tank full of sharks, manta rays and puffer fish.

Ben has previously visited the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust just outside of Lymm for day trips with his family and wanted to repay the charity for the opportunities they had provided.

Ben, who attends Brookfields School in Widnes, first visited the charity with his friends from Halton Borough Council’s Disabled Children’s Service for a Pirate Day in 2017 and has since enjoyed magical Christmas Party days thanks to their support.

Family, friends and teachers from Ben’s school joined him to cheer him on.

Ben’s parents, Dawn and Chris, explain why his visits to CAFT have been so important.

They said: “Ben is absolutely amazing. He’s a funny, confident character and incredibly caring and empathetic. We encourage him to experience as much as possible, he has a great imagination. He has his daily struggles but he’s a really happy boy who never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“Ben’s visits to CAFT have been really good for him. Any opportunity to socialise with his peers, or to meet new friends, is always welcome and to have such an amazing location not too far away is fantastic. Both visits at Christmas have been particularly welcome because our family has been through a lot and Ben himself has his struggles, and so it was incredible to relax and enjoy ourselves. Ben adores Christmas, so it was such a thrill for him to be part of it.”

CAFT fundraiser Helen Crowther joined Ben and his family on the day.

She said: “Ben is amazing. I’m terrified of sharks so for me this was the ultimate challenge.

“It always means so much to us when children have such kindness in their hearts that they decide they’d like to help other children, Ben truly is a hero. The money he raises will help us to provide day visits and holidays here at our amazing 10 acre site.”

To find out more about the charity’s work visit caft.co.uk or give them a call on 01565 830 053 or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/benssharkdive.