A COURAGEOUS survivor of child sex abuse from Worcester had in a sense already climbed a mountain by speaking out about his ordeal and facing his abuser in court.

But now Tom Leavesley, formerly of Diglis, Worcester, is literally climbing a mountain to help other survivors so they do not suffer in silence as he did.

The 31-year-old will fly out tomorrow (Friday) ahead of his charity climb of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain Africa (5,895 metres above sea level), in aid of Survivors Manchester and has already smashed his fundraising target of £5,000.

As previously reported in the Worcester News, Mr Leavesley broke his silence to speak out about abuse he suffered in Stourport at the age of 12.

Mr Leavesley, now a successful businessman who owns his own business called People Experts Limited, took more than 20 years to find the courage to speak out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Alan Page, the man he says stole his childhood.

But he could no longer cope and after the breakdown of his relationship he walked into the station in Castle Street, Worcester, in December 2013 and told them what happened to him two decades before.

Page of Burcher Green, Kidderminster, was sentenced to five years in prison at Stafford Crown Court last December for five indecent assaults against Mr Leavesley between July 1, 1996 and October 1, 1996 in Stourport.

Mr Leavesley has so far raised £5,239 ahead of his expedition in support of the charity which helps men and boys who have suffered sexual abuse and exploitation.

He said: “During the court case the team at Survivors Manchester really took care of me. From practical advice such as what to expect during the trial to helping me understand the implications of waiving my right to anonymity and ongoing emotional support.

“They have been with me throughout this process, despite me not living full time in Manchester when I first spoke to the police.

“I've seen first hand the fantastic support they provide to a growing number of males in the Greater Manchester area as well as their national media campaigns such as #BreakTheSilence and advising the writers and actors who were involved in the recent Hollyoaks male rape storyline.”

To sponsor Tom on his expedition visit www.justgiving.com/tomsurvivors/