TV presenter and mountaineer Ed Jackson is set to join a 10-year-old schoolboy on his challenge to scale a Welsh mountain five times in five days for Children in Need.

Raglan youngster Dante Valaydon-Pillay has been inspired by the former Newport Dragons No 8, who fought back from breaking his neck in a freak swimming pool accident in 2017 to walk again and climb peaks.

Currently in Beijing covering the Paralympics for Channel 4, Ed’s inspirational story of triumph over adversity, entitled Lucky, hit the top of the bestseller lists last year.

And now The Big Tackle presenter has agreed to join Dante on the first of his five climbs up the Sugar Loaf overlooking Abergavenny.

Dante, who attends St John’s On-the-Hill near Chepstow, has been sponsored with hiking gear from Mountain Warehouse and is ready to reach for the skies, with some £500 already pledged to his fundraising effort over the Easter holidays.

He wants to help other young people after family, friends and the Royal National Children’s Springboard charity stepped in to care for him when mum Frances suffered a stroke and was left in a coma in 2017.

“I’m really up for this challenge! I can’t wait to give it a go,” said the youngster, who wrote to Ed asking if he’d like to join him, and was over the moon when the star said yes.

“I was so happy and excited, I couldn’t wait to tell my teacher and friends.

‘‘I’m really excited about receiving the hiking kit from Mountain Warehouse and meeting Ed.

“My life is happy, healthy and safe, but I know that not all children are as lucky, so I’m going to raise money to help make other children’s lives a little bit better.

“Sugar Loaf is one of the highest peaks in the heart of the Black Mountains at 596m high.

“Its conical shape is like a volcano, but the mountain is made of the same old red sandstone as the rest of the Black Mountains.”

Mum Frances said: “I’m so proud of him.

‘‘This challenge is just perfect for him as he’s incredibly brave and resilient. He’s also a little person with such a big heart.”

And Dante added: “I’m overwhelmed by the donations as I thought I’d only receive £10 from my mum.

“Even a nice lady at the bus stop gave me a donation. Everyone’s donation will make a big difference to Children in Need.”

To support Dante’s bid, go to JustGiving and search for ‘5 walks along the iconic peak of the Sugarloaf, in the Brecon Beacons’.

Dante is pictured with staff outside Mountain Warehouse in Abergavenny after picking up his walking gear and new boots.