Joshua’s story

Thirteen-year-old Joshua and his twin brother Samuel were born 12 weeks early and weighed just 2lb 15oz each. When Joshua was 18 months old he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and has received treatment at The Children’s Hospital ever since.

Mum Michaela explains: “Joshua’s Cerebral Palsy affects his legs and means his muscles are very tight. When he was diagnosed with the condition he could not crawl, walk or sit up without support.

“After his diagnosis he began to receive intensive physiotherapy on a weekly basis. Within six months he was crawling and sitting on his own, at two and a half he began to walk using a walking frame and at age three he walked using two sticks - even his physiotherapist was amazed by the speed of his progress!

“Over the years Joshua has had two major operations. The first was to correct his posture. His hip bones were broken and reset into the correct position and held together by metal pins and plates. He was wheelchair bound for two months and couldn't put any weight on his legs during this time. He had to learn to walk all over again.

“His second operation was to stretch his calf muscles and he then had both legs in plaster for 6 weeks but was still able to walk around on them. During the time after these operations Joshua continued to attend school and astounded his teachers with his attitude.

“Joshua visits the Orthotics Department at the hospital to have splints fitted usually every six months and he still has daily physiotherapy at home but he never complains and always has a smile on his face. Nothing defeats him. He has won several awards for his bravery and general attitude to life.

“He is an inspiration to everyone that he meets - nothing defeats him. When he was 10 he ran the Great Yorkshire Run – three kilometres! - with his twin brother. We are truly amazed by the progress he has made since the very traumatic day of his diagnosis, and will be forever in debt to the numerous people that he has been treated by.”

If Joshua has inspired you to do some running, take a look here!