THE memory of a four-year-old boy who lost a lifelong battle with a rare heart condition has inspired a group of friends to climb a mountain.

Andreia Da Costa and four friends will be trekking up Mount Snowdon in memory of Benjamin Harris, of Kingshill, who died of hypoplastic left heart syndrome last month.

The team of five will be raising £1,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where Ben had operations for the condition which meant part of his heart was not properly developed.

Andreia, 27, of Rod-bourne, a friend of Ben’s mother Kimberley Pass-more, said: “He was such a lovely little boy and always had a smile on his face.

“You can’t help but be touched by him.

“The first time I met him I couldn’t tell anything was wrong, he was so full of life.”

Ben, who was a pupil at Robert Le Kyng Prim-ary School, had three major operations in his short life.

The last, in October, was to increase blood flow to his brain, but his body could not cope and he was taken to Great Ormond Street, where he was considered too ill for a transplant.

His parents, Tim Harris and Kimberley, knew he was ill before he was born but had always hoped he would live until his teenage years.

“Ben’s mum, Kim, has always said good things about Great Ormond Street and said they are really caring. They need more support to help children with the same condition,” said Andreia.

The Snowdon team includes Kieran Cronin, Simon Taylor, Carrie Bone and Jay Boot, who are all from Swindon, and they will climb the seven miles to the top and back on August 20.

“This very brave and strong little four-year-old fought for his life day by day and he really inspired me,” Andreia said.

“Great Ormond Street Hospital can buy a special mask to help a newborn baby breathe with just £5, and £10 could pay for parents to stay close by in a parent accommodation room.

“I would appreciate it so much if people could sponsor me, not just for Ben but for all the children and families GOSH charity helps every day. To help these children and their families thro-ugh the hard times they also need our help – even the smallest donation makes the difference.”

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.co/andreia-dacosta